Innovative sensors built into dredger vessels

Sept. 11, 2007
Jan de Nul Group has contracted Seatools to supply underwater sensors for four new hopper dredgers and three cutter-suction dredgers, some of which will eventually be deployed on offshore projects.

Offshore staff

ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands --Jan de Nul Group has contracted Seatools to supply underwater sensors for four new hopper dredgers and three cutter-suction dredgers, some of which will eventually be deployed on offshore projects.

Two of the 46,000 cu m (60,166 cu yd) capacity mega-hopper dredgers are under construction in Sestao, Spain, while the two 7,500 cu m (9,810 cu yd) capacity hoppers are being assembled in Busan, South Korea. The self-propelled cutter-suction vessels are taking shape in a yard in Pula, Croatia.

Seatools' supply scope includes Rotax HD rotation angle sensors, and Sinclino 2000 single-axis inclinometers. The former are designed for subsea service in depths of up to 3,000 m (9,842 ft).

The Sinclino 2000 range is designed for water depths of up to 200 m (656 ft), and for use in harsh environments. These instruments are damped magnetically and encased in a specially designed submersible stainless steel housing. All the sensors are due for delivery between Oct. 2007 and Dec. 2009.

09/11/2007