Damen launches first LNG dual-fuel dredger conversion by a European yardDamen launches first LNG dual-fuel dredger conversion by a European yard

The Samuel de Champlain was a diesel-electric vessel burning MGO and in the 19 months since the contract was signed Dragages-Ports dredger has been converted to LNG dual-fuel with onboard LNG storage.

Damen said the interfacing of all the main systems with the new propulsion plant plus the extensive pipe works required meticulous planning and careful execution.

After final commissioning the Samuel de Champlain will return to dredging the Seine and Loire rivers in France.

“The Samuel de Champlain conversion has been the subject of much interest within the dredging industry and the maritime industry in general,” said Fabien Guillemot, commercial manager at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque. “LNG isn’t new, of course, but this ground-breaking conversion of an existing vessel opens up new possibilities for everyone.”

Illustrating this interest on 26 February a technical presentation on the Samuel de Champlain (pictured below) project took place at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque to an invited audience of Damen customers and other companies with an interest in the technology and its potential.