New Vessels – July 11, 2008
Dredging Supply Company (DSC) has signed a deal with the Port of New Orleans after being awarded a contract for the acquisition of a new 24in cutter suction dredge.
Attending the contract signing ceremony were: Bill Wetta, Bob Wetta, Charles Johnson, Damon Gonzales, Gary Hamilton, and Mike Carlson (all of DSC) and Jay Meliet, Joseph Fritz, and Lenny Spalluto (all of the Port of New Orleans).
The Board of the Port of New Orleans voted on May 28th to award the project to DSC, which was the only bidder that met the precise specifications issued by the Board.
The 24in cutter suction dredge will feature a 100ft ladder allowing the dredge to excavate up to 60ft below the surface. The diesel electric dredge will be used for dredging Port of New Orleans’ facilities along the Mississippi River, and is designed to work in river currents up to 8 knots.
The dredge is designed for a small crew operation with the operational controls located in the lever room. The climate-controlled lever room will be equipped with an ergonomic operator’s chair, a PLC to control various dredge functions, and a colour HMI (Human Machine Interface) or touch-screen.
DSC has also taken many safety requirements into consideration per the specifications provided by the port. The dredge will be supplied with handrails, kick guards, and remote mounted grease fittings in safe locations, so crew members are not exposed to rotating equipment during servicing.
For added protection, the dredge is furnished with fire extinguishers and a fire fighting system will be installed with a dedicated fire pump and two fire stations. Fire-sensing heat detectors will be positioned above all diesel engines and power equipment, as well as hydraulic power packages.
The contract is the largest single sale in DSC’s history, and because of its location in relation to DSC’s headquarters, the dredge will be a great point of interest for future clients.
“I am excited about the ability to bring potential customers to the dredge to show them one of our designs in use”, said Charles Johnson, DSC’s Director of Sales.
The custom-made cutter suction dredge is scheduled for completion in September 2009 and will replace the aging cutter suction dredge Bleakley.