Damen launches free dredge calculator

Dredge projects are tendered around the globe on a daily basis. Consequently, dredging contractors have to make new calculations, involving various production parameters, when preparing their project quotations. Damen has introduced an online dredge job calculator to unburden contractors of this time-consuming, and therefore costly, tasks.

For every dredging job, whether it is a maintenance dredging, sand dredging or capital dredging project, the local government concerned will present a public tender. In submitting their offers, contractors will then put in a considerable amount of effort – mostly in calculating the estimated production of each different jobsite. It is imperative that these calculations are accurate as it is the production that defines what dredging equipment is required.

Damen’s new dredging calculation tool assists contractors with what is typically a long-drawn-out process. With just a few mouse clicks on the straightforward online platform, known as Sandy, the contractor enters the defining characteristics of the dredging job at hand.

The result not only provides detailed advice on which cutter suction dredger should be mobilised, but also includes which options are complementary to the specific project. This can include supplementary equipment such as spud carriages, booster stations and anchor booms.

Sandy was designed by Lennart Koning, Dredging Production Specialist at Damen Dredging Equipment. In explaining the motivations behind the development, he says, “Each dredging job is calculated on dredge production – and Sandy will help determine that valuable production information. With the input from any tender, a contractor will know what dredger to use within minutes. Moreover, by simply adding an option, such as a spud carriage for instance, the contractor can see the potential efficiency gain immediately.”

Sandy is based on a full size calculation model, drawing on an extensive database that performs all the necessary calculations and taking manoeuvring into account. Pump production, Cutter production as well as Swing production are shown. “It’s all about providing contractors with realistic performance indicators of a cutter suction dredger.”

In introducing Sandy as a free online advisory tool for contractors around the globe, Damen is offering easily accessible information over a diverse range of project parameters; enabling dredging operators prepare faster for tender submissions.

To use the calculator, visit www.dredgefinder.com.

About Damen Dredging Equipment

Damen Dredging Equipment is a specialised supplier of dredging equipment and dredging instrumentation & automation. Fully owned by Damen Shipyards Group and based in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, the company has over 75 years of experience in the construction of dredging equipment serving the worldwide dredging industry. The dredging tools are all built to specific customer requirements, making use of a wide range of standard equipment.

More information can be found on www.damen.com.

Damen Shipyards Group

Damen Shipyards Group operates 33 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 6,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 180 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.

Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale values and reliable performance. Furthermore, Damen vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.

Damen offers a wide range of products, including tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and superyachts.

For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of services, including maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and the transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. Damen also offers a variety of marine components, such as nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.

Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) has a worldwide network of sixteen repair and conversion yards of which twelve are located in North West Europe. Facilities at the yards include more than 50 floating and (covered) drydocks, the largest of which is 420 x 90 metres, as well as slopes, ship lifts and indoor halls. Projects range from the smallest simple repairs through Class’ maintenance to complex refits and the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1,350 repair and maintenance jobs annually, both at yards as well as in ports and during voyage.