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Royal IHC has been awarded the contract for the design, construction and delivery of two low-emission dredging vessels to Belgium's Dredging, Environmental & Marine Engineering (DEME).

The 7,950-cubic-metre (cbm) and 3,000-cbm (expandable to 3,500 cbm) trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs) are said to be the first to be provided with a liquefied natural gas (LNG) installation.

Commenting on the news, IHC said: "The unique arrangements for the propulsion and dredge pump drive, combined with the LNG installation will reduce fuel consumption and ensure extremely low levels of emissions."

The design of the TSHDs includes several features that, according to IHC, enable them to operate in environmentally sensitive locations, including Emission Control Areas (ECA). The turnkey delivery by IHC includes the dredging, electrical and hydraulic installation, as well as the automation system.

"With this order, IHC has proved its turnkey deliveries are highly competitive in the international market," remarked IHC CEO Bram Roelse.