Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. (GLDD) announced this week the delivery of the 99'x41'x12' Cape Hatteras and the Cape Canaveral, two Damen 3013 Multi Cats built by Conrad Shipyard, Morgan City, La.
Main propulsion comes from three Caterpillar 3412D TTA diesel engines, producing a total of 2,500 hp at 1,800 rpm. The mains connect to Promarin fixed-pitch wheels in Optima nozzles through Reintjes WAF 464 marine gears with 5.591:1 ratios. The propulsion package gives the new Multi Cats a speed of 9.6 knots and a bollard pull of 35 metric tons. For added maneuverability, the new multipurpose dredge support vessels feature a 360° hydraulically driven, 310-hp bowthruster.
Ship’s service power comes from two Caterpillar C 04.4 gensets, sparking 107.5 KVA (one KVA is equal to 1,000 volt amps) each. Hydraulic power comes from a Caterpillar 3412D TTA engine, producing 632 kW of electrical power.
“This is a milestone for our company and the U.S. dredging industry,” Chris Gunsten, Great Lakes’ senior vice president of project services and fleet engineering, said in a statement. “The Multi Cat brings step change safety improvements to Great Lakes’ dredge pipeline operations, which was a prime driver for the investment. Pipe handling and connection work can now take place securely on deck, which will greatly reduce the risk of man overboards. These vessels will also enhance and improve Great Lakes’ pipe and anchor operations. Further, the Multi Cats’ two crane and multiple winch and wire tugger arrangements will significantly reduce manual work and the risk of soft tissues injuries. These vessels support our strong safety culture and gives us the ability to dredge with enhanced operating efficiencies needed to maintain our shorelines and waterways.”
The electronics suite features a Furuno FAR 2117 radar system, Furuno FE-700 echosounder, Furuno DS-80 speedlog, Furuno GP-150 D GPS, Furuno NX-700 Navtex, Furuno FA-150 AIS, two Pesch search lights, Cassens & Plat Reflecta 1 compass, Tokimec ES-160 gyrocompass, Transas Navigator Pro chart system, Sea Pilot 75 autopilot, Thrane & Trane system 500 SSB, two Sailor RT5022 VHFs, twin TR-20 handheld VHFs, and two Sailor H-2095 C Inmarsat-Cs.
Equipped with two large winches and two deck cranes, the new dredge support vessels have the ability to perform a wide range of tasks including handling submerged and floating pipelines as well as anchor handling and logistics supply. Efficiency is greatly enhanced by eliminating the need for assorted floating support equipment such as derrick barges, towboats and anchor barges, GLDD said.
Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral are the first Damen Multi Cats to be built in the U.S. and are fully compliant with Coast Guard and Corps of Engineers stability criteria.
