- About IHC Merwede
- Research & development
- Innovations
Innovations
IHC Merwede’s research programmes and its investment in new products have helped the group to stay at the forefront of the industry with some unique developments. The innovative hull design of its trailing suction hopper dredgers, for example, has had a considerable impact on dredging efficiency, thanks to its pronounced bulbous bow and the extraordinary gondola-shaped stern.
Cutter suction dredgers have been enhanced by: the introduction of the Cutter Special® pump, which allows the vessel to pump rocks and bigger stones without any difficulty; and the IHC Spud Guard™, which provides the opportunity for vessels to work in waves.
The one-man operated bridge is another first for IHC Merwede. It allows the actions of several people to be carried out by one person, preventing misunderstandings and their potentially serious consequences.
Many products are developed to help customers with the challenges they face out in the field. To tackle densely compacted sediments, for example, IHC Merwede designed the Wild Dragon® draghead. For loosely compacted soil, IHC Merwede created the Lancelot cutterhead, which has superior digging capabilities when compared with conventional cutterheads. The group has also recently introduced the Curve, a new type of pump impeller, with an improved hydraulic shape. It has improved suction properties and greater wear characteristics.
From the examples mentioned above, it’s clear that technological innovation is, and will always remain, the company’s underlying strength to ensure that customers will continue to benefit from its specialist knowledge.
