Diesel-electric power using Azipod propulsion units has been specified for a trailing suction hopper dredger booked by Royal IHC in the Netherlands from the Boskalis Group. The contract signals the re-opening of the Krimpen aan den IJssel shipyard, upstream of Rotterdam, which had been temporarily closed last year due to a shrinking orderbook.

Incorporating a load capacity of 31,000m³, the newbuild will rank among the largest ‘trailers’ in the Boskalis fleet on scheduled delivery in mid-2026.

The diesel-electric installation combined with an optimised underwater hull form, customised to the intended operating profile, and an advanced automation system, will contribute to a significantly lower fuel consumption than previous vessels of comparable size. Twin Azipods, rendering a gearless, 360-degree steerable propulsion solution, will imbue the requisite manoeuvrability and low-speed track control.