Dutch shipbuilder Damen delivered its biggest ever Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) to Indonesia’s dredging company Pelayaran Fortuna Nusantara Megajaya (PFNM).
The 2,500 m3 capacity Barito Equator is the first dredger ever to be built in Indonesia, and will be a key asset in maintaining economically vital cargo transport on the Barito River on the island of Borneo.
Immediately after delivery, Barito Equator started on maintenance dredging on the 890-kilometre long Barito River in South Kalimantan.
Indonesia has invested large sums in capital projects to improve navigability on the waterway – a key cargo and transport link. The river is prone to heavy siltation, which – combined with the extreme environmental conditions during dredging operations – demands highly reliable and efficient equipment.
The Steadfast Marine yard has helped advance Indonesia’s maritime ambitions through transfer of technology during the complex build with Damen Shipyards Group. The build took place with assistance from Damen Technical Cooperation (DTC), engineering from Damen Shipyards Gorinchem and the complete trailing dredging system from Damen Dredging Equipment. Damen Marine Components delivered the rudder installation and gearbox as well as a host of other components.
“This is the first Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger ever built in Indonesia,” said Gysbert Boersma, Sales Manager Asia-Pacific at Damen Shipyards Group.
”It is a huge accomplishment that wouldn’t be possible without strong local partnerships. Damen has considerable experience in building Damen-designed vessels in all parts of the world. We’re proud knowing that Barito Equator, built in Kalimantan, will help ensure South Kalimantan’s continued economic development for many years to come.”