Damen Shipyards Hosts Keel Laying of MAD 3500

On October 3, Damen Shipyards Galati hosted a celebration marking the keel-laying of a Damen Marine Aggregate Dredger (MAD) 3500 for Hanson UK.

On September 20, the keel of the new MAD 3500 was laid at the Romanian yard a few days prior to the celebration. At this event, tradition was observed with the inclusion of four coins in the keel – a Romanian lei, a British pound, a Dutch guilder and a euro.

The MAD is a new design from Damen that can dredge material at depths of up to -55 meters (approximately -180 feet). It applies innovative maritime technology to operate in harsh conditions, where Hanson will operate its vessel in the English Channel and the North Sea.

Damen Sales Manager Joppe Neijens explains that this is a priority for both parties. “Safety is of extreme importance for both our companies and will, therefore, be a robust priority throughout the construction of this vessel and beyond. We have implemented the Governance of Risks and Incidents Program (GRIP), which sets the standards for health, safety and the environment for the Damen Group. Through this initiative we take preventive steps toward safer operations and share our vital lessons to help further promote excellence in safety. Safety onboard is also of critical importance and we have taken steps to incorporate this throughout the vessel – including application of operational ergonomics in systems and the installation of all dredge pipes above deck. We are very pleased to celebrate this momentous occasion and look forward to the construction of this exciting vessel.”

The MAD 3500 will be constructed at the Galati yard, while the modular dredge system will be provided by Damen Dredging Equipment in Nijkerk, the Netherlands. Hanson’s MAD 3500 will also feature a dry unloading system from PLM Cranes.