UAE-based contractor MAR Marine & Building Contractor has taken delivery of a new cutter suction dredger (CSD) that it will utilize at the Al Hamriyah Port expansion project.

Built by Damen Shipyards Group, the CSD500 has been named MAR 22. “We are happy to welcome the MAR 22 to our marine equipment fleet,” said Paul Abou Rjaili, Operations Manager at MAR Marine. “We are further reinforcing our dredging equipment and capabilities, and this customized dredge exactly matches our requirements for the upcoming Al Hamriyah port expansion project.”

The standard dredger has been fitted out with additions boosting its dredging efficiency such as anchor booms, a spud carriage system, as well as the possibility to both enlarge and decrease the cutter depth. Moreover, practical additions include an accommodation unit located underneath the operating cabin, plus a navigation and communication package.

After assembly afloat alongside quay the CSD500 is ready to start its maiden dredging job at the Al Hamriyah Port expansion project, where it will remove 650,000 m3 of soil. With plenty of other marine works planned in the region for the coming years, this is just the start of things to come.

“This dredger demonstrates clearly the benefits of Damen’s standardized shipbuilding philosophy,” said Pascal Slingerland, Damen Shipyards Sales Director. “Although built in series, which offers rapid access to proven technology, the dredger has been customized significantly in order to meet the requirements of MAR Marine & Building Contractor L.L.C’s requirements.”