Isandlwana IHC Merwede builds new South-African maintenance hopper dredger

摘要

Concept challenged With decades of experience in maintenance dredging, while at the same time keeping informed about recent developments, TNPA had a pretty good idea about the brief for their new vessel. They compiled the technical specifications which formed part of a tender document that was advertised internationally. The bidding yards were invited to quote based on this building specification, in order to make a good comparison between the bids. However, apart from the required bid, IHC Merwede took a different route, too. Based on their experience with state-of-the-art dredger builds, they made an extensive study of the expected operational efficiency. With these results in hand, they challenged the client's concept and adapted it in several areas to better match the actual operational profile in the ports of South Africa. Moreover, included in the bid package, was a substantial training course for the crew and a lifecycle support program for maintenance and spare parts, ensuring years of trouble-free operation. After relatively long negotiations, the contract was awarded to IHC Merwede and production started on 1 May 2009.