Successful launch ceremony for AMBIORIX

 

The launch for the self-propelled cutter suction dredger, AMBIORIX, took place on 28 October 2011 at the IHC Merwede shipyard in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, The Netherlands. IHC Merwede is building the impressive ship for the DEME (Dredging, Environmental & Marine Engineering) Group.

PDF version of this press release (EN)

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The contract for construction of the vessel was signed between DEME and IHC Dredgers in spring 2010, and the keel was laid on 23 December 2010. The vessel will be delivered in May 2012.

The AMBIORIX is able to dredge to a water depth of approximately 35 metres and will be one of the most powerful cutter suction dredgers in the world. This new vessel is suitable for heavy soil and rock. The AMBIORIX is equipped with two inboard dredge pumps and one submerged dredge pump on the cutter ladder. It also has a barge-loading system, which can load barges moored alongside the dredger. The flexible spud carrier includes a buffer system – and other equipment – which enables dredging during challenging weather conditions. The dredging process is entirely touch screen operated. Furthermore, the dredge, is equipped with a 'remote-view' system, enabling the permanent online view of its dredging process at DEME's head office in Zwijndrecht.

The vessel was named after Ambiorix, who was leader of the Gallic people, called the Eburones. With a cunning plan he defeated a Roman legion and five cohorts (7.200 soldiers) of Julius Caesar in 54 BC. This feat made Ambiorix into a Belgian hero – an icon of a brave warrior. The name AMBIORIX fits perfectly with DEME’s tradition of naming vessels after historical or cultural national heroes, like Artevelde, Breughel and Breydel.

Additional information

Name	AMBIORIX
Type	Self-propelled cutter suction dredger
Customer	DEME NV
Builder	IHC Dredgers B.V.
Length overall	123.80m
Breadth	25.20m
Depth	8.20m
Dredging depth	35.00m
Total installed power	26,100kW
Accommodation	43 people
Special feature	Barge loading

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, China, Croatia, France, India, the Middle East, Nigeria, Serbia, 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.

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