The Shoalbuster 2711 WID was designed specifically for UK Dredging as a multipurpose dredging and support vessel. It will be used for surveys, buoy handling, bed leveling, and Water Injection Dredging. The UKD Seadragon has a diesel-electric propulsion system fed by three independent generators, which enables the vessel to sail on only one engine. This fuel efficiency is one of the many examples of the aim to reduce emissions.

“We are very pleased to add the UKD Seadragon to our fleet”, said Mark Pearson, UKD General Manager. “The UK Seadragon has already completed various Water Injection Dredging trials at different locations such as Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport. We have seen impressive dredging performances at low fuel consumption. Moreover, the versatility and the maneuverability of this advanced vessel clearly enhance our fleet.”

For the past weeks, the UKD Seadragon has been performing maintenance dredging duties in the various ports and harbors in Wales using its WID equipment. This equipment includes an electrically driven E-DOP450L submersible dredge pump, built onto a skid that is lowered to the seabed using its dedicated A-frame. The dredging action involves the submerged dredge pump supplying water that is injected into the built-up sediment, which is thus refloated and taken away by the current. The UKD Seadragon has shown excellent results during these first dredging campaigns.

“As shipbuilders, we are honored to have built the UKD Seadragon,” added Joppe Neijens of Damen Shipyards. “It has been a pleasure to cooperate with UK Dredging, and we are very happy with this partnership and, of course, the great performance of the vessel in these first few weeks. The UKD Seadragon is currently at work in Swansea and will continue to service various harbors to verify the WID’s effectiveness at different locations. This certainly is the new generation of efficient and innovative water injection dredgers.”   ​