(MERSEY VENTURE) NEW TRAILER DREDGER FOR PORT OF LIVERPOOL

The twin-screw trailing suction hopper dredger Mersey Venture, built by Appledore Shipbuilders and recently commissioned by Mersey Docks and Harbour Co., is expected to move about 2 million tons of spoil each year. She is equipped for dredging silt, soft clay and sand in the 1.3 to 2.0 s.g. range, and incorporates a high degree of automation, with most dredging operations controlled from the wheelhouse. Features include:- fast loading rate <full loading in 55 min.> through 800mm diameter trailing suction pipe; overflow weir system variable from 1430 to 2200 cu m; Warman heavy-duty dredge pump <driven by 1300-bhp Ruston Diesel> of 30,250 gal./min. output against 20 m head <max. output about 40,000 gal./min.>, which can deliver spoil either to a central lander for distribution in the hopper or directly overboard; California-type draghead, with swell compensator maintaining tension; extensive Welin/K&L Marine hydraulic power system. The hull is divided by six transverse bulkheads and is strengthened for grounding. Accommodation <aft> is provided for all 16 crew <the dredger will be working almost non-stop>. The two Ruston AT35OM main engines 2 x 2100 bhp at 600 rpm, each driving a f.p. f.p. propeller through a 3 to 1 reverse/reduction gearbox, are installed in a "modularised" engine-room; unmanned operation is not intended. Twin rudders and a bow thruster are fitted. Three 210 kVA generator sets, with preferential switching, are installed. All engines use Class B1 marine Diesel oil. The article includes general- arrangement drawings. Principal particulars include:- Length, o.a. 82.4m, b.p. 77m; Breadth, mld 16m; Depth mld 6.5m; Draught 5.2m design, 5.75 m max. including 5/8 freeboard allowance; Hopper capacity 2200 cu m; Dredging depth 20 m; Service speed 12.25 knots.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Dredging & Port Construction, 10 <1983>, p.18 <July> (4 pp., 1 tab., 1 diag., 5 phot.)
• Publication Date: 1983

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00685259
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM