Vasco Da Gama – A Massive Suction Dredger

Built for the Belgian construction conglomerate Jan de Nul, Vasco da Gama is a suction hopping dredger, regarded to be one of the biggest in the world in this dredger variant. The dredger was built by the German shipbuilding company Thyssen Nordsswerkee and was put into operations in the year 2000.

Vasco da Gama is mainly utilized for carrying out land reformation operations along with digging and pre-brooming functioning in the high seas.

In addition the suction hopper is also used for dumping of stones and boulders’ operations at the high seas.

• Vasco da Gama’s hoppers have a suctioning capacity of 33,000 cubic metres with the vessel having an overall DWT of 60,000 tonnes

• Lengthwise the vessel measures 200 metres, has a breadth of 36.2 metres and offers a maximum speed of 16.5 knots

• The suction hopper can be operated at four different depths of 45, 60, 80 and 131 metres. This dredging capacity is considerably more than the operational capacitance of the other suction hoppers

• There are two suction pipes, each with a circular width of 1,400 mm. The relatively high width of the pipes ensures that the dredger is able to carry out a high percentage of dredging when compared to the other suction hoppers

• Vasco da Gama is powered by two engines giving an output of over 14,000 kilowatts each. These engines can be alternated between propelling the vessel or for carrying out dredging, as per the requirements

• The suction hopper has been certified with a Bureau Veritas certification

Jan de Nul was established in the late 1930s and in the course of more than seven decades of operational existence, amassed and acquired an incomparable fleet of dredging-vessels.

It is regarded to be one of the world’s top quality companies in terms of dredging operations and rightly so, if the standard and quality of the functioning of the Vasco da Gama is looked at.

Image Credits : Ship-technology

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

Read More Articles By This Author >