Double Dutch For SinoHydro
Yesterday, IHC Merwede launched two IHC Beaver 9029C cutter suction dredgers. The vessels have been designed and built by IHC Beaver Dredgers for one of the company’s large Chinese customers, Sinohydro. Zhong Guo Shui Dian J08 was named and launched at the Sliedrecht shipyard, while its sister ship, Zhong Guo Shui Dian J09, was named and launched at the Hardinxveld-Giessendam shipyard.
Botch 13,000kW CSDs have the capacity to achieve high outputs at a relatively low cost. They can work to a depth of up to 29 m, under challenging conditions with a wide range of soils. Sinohydro has invested heavily in this type of custom-built vessel for the execution of major dredging projects, such as the expansion of the Port of Karachi (Pakistan’s largest and busiest seaport).
The Zhong Guo Shui Dian J08 and Zhong Guo Shui Dian J09 will be backed by IHC Merwede’s worldwide support network, which enhances the vessels’ lifetime value and the return on investment. More specifically, Sinohydro will also benefit from the attention of the Regional IHC Organisations (RIOs) worldwide and the IHC Merwede representative office in China, which offer a direct relationship and a wide range of services in the local markets. These include spare parts, training facilities (e.g. a simulator) and a fast response for technical support.
IHC Merwede’s Area Manager for China, André Vrijsen says: “The ceremony was an opportunity for IHC Merwede to highlight its complete flexibility and how it can accommodate an order for two similar custom-built cutter suction dredgers. We will always look at customers’ requirements before deciding on the best methods and locations to supply our products and systems. This approach gives us the option of manufacturing custom-built solutions at our traditional facilities in the Netherlands and standard vessels at our joint venture shipyard in China.”
Sinohydro is a network of highly responsive companies with comprehensive solutions, from the concept and engineering, to the construction and manufacturing/installation of electrical and mechanical equipment. Its companies – all with strong local roots and close ties with local cultures – are covered by a management system that ensures overall consistency and cohesion. It focuses on four key areas for development, which are complementary to its core. Within the construction division, Sinohydro is an industry leader in the earthmoving sector, including dredging and reclamation activities to: provide landfill for deep water harbours; build container storage platforms, breakwaters and dykes; and reclaim land from the sea for construction sites.