According to China’s central media news, the country’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel dual-fuel 15,000 cbm large-scale trailing suction hopper dredger “Xinhaixun” set sail for sea trials from Qidong, Jiangsu Province on July 17.
“Xinhai Xun” is invested by CCCC Shanghai Waterway Bureau, general contracted by CCCC National Engineering Research Center of Dredging, designed by Marine Design and Research Institute of China (MARIC) of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and built by Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery (ZPMC).
As a trailing suction hopper dredger, “Xinhaixun” holds an important position in the field of dredging engineering. With an overall length of 155.7 meters, a beam of 32 meters, a full load draft of 9.9 meters, and a maximum capacity of 17,000 cbm, the dredger is not only the world’s largest LNG-powered dredger in terms of capacity, but also the first one of its kind in China.
The power system is unique, capable of flexibly switching between LNG and diesel fuel, which greatly improves the level of environmental protection and energy saving. In addition, it is equipped with the most advanced and intelligent “One Key Dredging” and “Dredging & Driving” systems, which are the first time in China that a single operator can complete the driving and dredging operations.
It is reported that “Xinhaixun” is expected to be officially delivered in September 2024, after which it will be mainly engaged in the dredging and filling of coastal ports and deep-water waterways as well as coastal maintenance.