IHC Merwede has successfully named and launched the self-propelled cutter suction dredger, ARTEMIS, in a ceremony on 30 June 2012 at its shipyard in Sliedrecht, The Netherlands. The ARTEMIS, which is being manufactured for Van Oord, is one of the largest cutter suction dredgers ever built in The Netherlands for a Dutch dredging company.
The ceremony was performed by Mrs AB van den Driest-Sorgdrager, who is the wife of Mr CJ van den Driest, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Van Oord.
The contract for the design, construction and delivery of the vessel was signed between Van Oord and IHC Dredgers, part of IHC Merwede, on 20 December 2010. The ship will be delivered in the first half of 2013.
The name is consistent with Van Oord’s tradition of naming its cutter suction dredgers after legends in Greek mythology. Artemis is known as the goddess of the hunt.
A particular feature of this vessel is the spud carriage with hydraulic buffering which makes it possible to work for longer periods in bad weather. As a result of the close cooperation between Van Oord and IHC Merwede, much attention has been paid to the ergonomic design of the ARTEMIS. For example the deckhouse will be mounted on air springs to minimise noise and vibrations in the accommodation section.
Towards the end of 2011, her sister ship ATHENA, was delivered to Van Oord and has since been successfully utilised on various projects. The construction of both vessels is having a positive impact on the Dutch economy.
Additional information
Main features
Company profile IHC Merwede
IHC Merwede is focussed on the continuous development of design and construction activities for the specialist maritime sector. It is the global market leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment – with vast experience accumulated over decades – and a reliable supplier of custom-built ships and supplies for offshore construction.
IHC Merwede has in-house expertise for engineering and manufacturing innovative vessels and advanced equipment, as well as providing life-cycle support. Its integrated systematic approach has helped to develop optimum product performance and long-term business partnerships.
The company’s broad customer base includes dredging operators, oil and gas corporations, offshore contractors and government authorities.
IHC Merwede has over 3,000 employees based at various locations in The Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, France, India, Malaysia, the Middle East, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Technological innovation will remain the company’s underlying strength through its continuous investment in research and development. Moreover, it helps to safeguard a sustainable environment.
[mappress]
Source: IHC Merwede, July 2, 2012; Image: IHC Merwede