Damen to supply customised CSD 650 dredger plus support vessel to Van Oord

Damen has signed a contract with leading dredging and marine contractor Van Oord for the supply of a CSD 650 custom suction dredger together with an FCS 1605 Fast Crew Supplier, initially for operations in the Caspian Sea. Designed and delivered by Damen Dredging Equipment in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, the vessel will leave the yard at the end of January and travel overland to the Caspian Sea, from where it will begin operations in April.

“Van Oord requires a cutter suction dredger at short notice because of the large number of ongoing dredging projects. Damen’s expertise combined with Van Oord standards will result in a fit-for-purpose addition to our dredging projects in the Caspian Sea”, says Peter Bunschoten, Project Director at Van Oord.

Ural River
The work began immediately on the 60m dredger, designated the Ural River, to bring her up to the required specification.

Modifications now underway include the adding of a bow to enable a change of her classification from sheltered waters to coastal operations. The vessel is also being fitted with additional tank capacities to allow her to operate without support for an extended period of time in the remote locations where she will be working.

The fact that this particular CSD 650 was already equipped with anchor booms to allow easy moving of the side anchors was very helpful in minimising the time required for modifications, as the shallow waters in which it will be operating are not suitable for a Multi Cat to provide support.

Van Oord also required a number of safety and environmental features to comply with its exacting standards, which Damen has fulfilled.

Support vessel with 30 knots
Support for the CSD 650 is being supplied in the form of a Damen FCS Fast Crew Supplier 1605 with a top speed of 30 knots. Capable of taking up to 23 passengers, this sturdy workhorse is ideal for supporting the Ural River. Damen is one of the few shipbuilders able to provide complementary vessels at short notice for projects such as this.