Coaster to Dredger conversion

OSD-IMT was approached by Southampton Marine Services (SMS) on behalf of Kendall Brothers to help in their search for a vessel suitable for converting into an aggregate suction dredger. The main challenge for OSD-IMT, which has broad knowledge of dredger design, was finding a vessel with scantlings substantial enough to avoid extensive replacement of main structure. After a review of several secondhand vessels, a Damen-built coaster, was chosen as the most suitable because its double-bottom structure did not require replacement for carrying cargoes with a specific gravity of 2.2.

The design team introduced a long, narrow hold to minimise loads on the structure and to provide wide side-decks which incorporated the dredging system on the starboard side and the discharge conveyors on the port side. A conventional grab discharger was mounted on a self-propelled carriage spanning the hold. All steelwork and outfit installation was carried out by SMS from design information prepared by OSD-IMT.