On December 24, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel-powered 15,000 m3 capacity large dredger, named Xinhaixun, designed by the Marine Design & Research Institute of China (MARIC) under CSSC and built by Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery (Group) Co.(ZPMC), was officially launched.
With a liquefied natural gas (LNG) clean energy capacity of 15,000 cubic meters, the vessel boasts a total length of 155.7 meters, a breadth of 32 meters, a depth of 13.5 meters, and a structural draft of 9.9 meters. This is coupled with a large hopper capacity of 17,000 cubic meters.
The dredger is equipped with the most advanced and intelligent “one-key dredging” and “dredging and driving” systems in China, realizing the function of “unmanned dredging” under typical working conditions in China.
Moreover, it is the first time for the rake suction dredger to carry a comprehensive intelligent management platform, integrating intelligent cabin, intelligent navigation, intelligent energy efficiency management and other systems, which can effectively enhance the management level of the whole ship, improve the construction efficiency, and safeguard the safety of navigation and operation through the integrated design, installation and control of the whole ship.
This vessel is the first 10, 000-ton-class green power large dredger with LNG dual-fuel power system independently developed in China. Through the design research on ship type development, power system and dual-fuel engine selection, and related equipment and system configuration, the ship can meet the emission requirements of IMOTier III of the International Maritime Organization in gas mode, and meet the requirements of IMO Tier II of the International Maritime Organization in fuel mode.
Also, it can meet the latest requirements of CCS regarding NOx emission, SOx emission, oil pollutant emission, garbage emission, ozone substance emission, incineration emission, and hazardous anti-fouling bottom system. The vessel features virtually the same diesel engine dynamics, reduces NOx and CO2 emissions by 90% and 20%, and eliminates SOx and particulate emissions, making it more economical to operate than traditional fuel-powered dredgers.
It is reported that the vessel is scheduled to be delivered in September 2024. It will be mainly used for dredging and blowing of coastal ports and deep-water waterways and coastal maintenance, which is of great significance in promoting the development of China’s green shipping.