Biggest Dredger In The World
Spartacus, constructed for Belgian marine contractor DEME, is the world’s most powerful cutter suction dredger, which has set new standards since it was delivered in 2021.
Specifications
- Length: 164 meters
- Breadth: 34 meters
- Moulded depth: 10 meters
- Maximum draught: 7 meters
- Total installed power: 44,180 kW
- Dredging depth capability: Up to 45 meters, exceeding the industry standard of 35 m
- Discharge pipe diameter: 1,200 mm
It has a large cutter ladder weighing 2550 tonnes, allowing it to apply extreme pressure when dredging. Its cutter drive delivers 12,000 kW of power to the cutterhead, which is double the power of previous generation mega cutter suction dredgers. Hence, Spartacus can cut through harder soils at high speeds.
Innovative Features of the biggest dredger
Spartacus is the first LNG-powered cutter suction dredger and can operate on LNG, low-sulphur heavy Fuel Oil or Marine Diesel, giving it greater operational flexibility.
It also has a waste heat recovery system, which converts heat from exhaust gases into electrical energy and LNG cold energy recovery to utilise waste energy for cooling the chilled water system.
The biggest dredger has 14 cutterheads of 6 different designs for various soil types from fine sand to hard rock. Its 72 m long spuds allow it to reach unprecedented depths.
It has a pumping power of 25.5 MW, allowing it to discharge dredged materials over 10 kilometres, leading to autonomous operations without booster stations.
It can accommodate 72 people and has air cushions for the comfort of the crew.
Operational Capabilities
Spartacus operates with greater autonomy and minimises environmental impact. Its immense power and cutting abilities allow it to undertake projects which were previously unfeasible.
The ship can cut through the hardest rocks with unrivalled production rates, eliminating the need for blasting or using dynamite in case of many scenarios.
Its control system is quite advanced, and its heavy cutter ladder can be operated from the bridge by a single operator.
The biggest dredger also has a workshop with vibration-insulated flooring, enabling repairs and maintenance of cutterheads during operations that improve uptime.
The ship has been called a game-changer in the industry and has allowed ambitious plans to turn into realistic and achievable projects.
You might also like to read-
- What Are Cutting Suction Dredgers?
- Different Types of Dredgers Used in the Maritime Industry
- Ambiorix: A Powerful Self-propelled Cutter Suction Dredger
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
About Author
Zahra is an SEO-Strategist & a Technical Writer with over 5 years of experience crafting top-tier content for the shipping world. From news, articles, ebooks, blogs and marketing pieces to industry white papers, she has written it all and now brings that experience to her role as Senior Editor. She makes complex maritime stories clear, sharp, and engaging.
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
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