Damen Launches First Marine Aggregate Dredge Class
The first of Damen’s new Marine Aggregate Dredge class, a 103.5-meter (340-foot) MAD 3500, was launched at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania. The vessel, named CEMEX Go Innovation is the first of a new generation of efficient and economical dredges specializing in the extraction of sand and gravel from the seabed.
The full team from Cemex UK Marine and representatives from Damen’s head office in Gorinchem, the Netherlands and Damen Shipyards Mangalia, Romania attended the launching ceremony.
Building of the vessel began in July 2018 in Damen Shipyards Mangalia. The vessel was transferred to Damen Shipyards Galati at the start of 2019.
Damen and Cemex worked jointly on the development of the MAD 3500 from its earliest stages, and the design is the result of extensive market research and customer consultation. The MAD concept is designed around the need for 21st century vessels that can deliver safety, efficiency, minimal environmental impact and crew comfort, while achieving maximum uptime in a work environment that places stresses on vessels and equipment.
Additional features of the new vessel include seakeeping for both crew comfort and all-weather operability, and an enclosed bow to protect deck equipment and reduce green water ingress into the cargo hold. All the dredge pipes are situated above main deck level for safety and easy inspection and crane reach. The modular construction of the dredge ensures quick and easy replacement of worn parts on the piping and screening installation. The dredge has a hopper capacity of 3,500 cubic meters (4,578 cubic yards).
The MAD 3500 will complete its fitting out with commissioning due to begin at the end of the year, followed by deliver in early spring 2020.
