C-Job Naval Architects Presents Customizable TSHD Series

Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHDs) are used the world over for maintenance and capital dredging operations. They fall into two general categories: standard designs and fully customized designs.

The fact that these two categories of designs are poles apart in how they meet owner’s requirements was the motivation for C-Job to develop its own series of TSHD designs. Basjan Faber, C-Job CEO, explains: “We noticed a mismatch. On one hand, off-the-shelf TSHD designs do not match specific project profiles. On the other hand, fully tailored dredgers can be seen as limiting themselves to the type of project they can perform. Plus, any small adaptions to standard designs usually require a hefty fee.”

This is the crux of C-Job’s TSHD series – to fill the gap between standard and one-off custom tailored vessels. “We want the C-Job TSHD Fleet to offer the benefits of both a standard design combined with a fully tailored design and the opportunities that presents,” Basjan adds.

Artist impression of the TSHD series

Customizable series

The C-Job TSHD Fleet features maintenance, multifunctional, and capital dredgers each with varying hopper capacities. Each design is modular, and can be used as it was first built, or modified to better suit specific operations. The modular components involve the adaptation of main parameters and functionalities such as dredging depth, type of dredge pump, pump power, and discharge method. Furthermore, any hopper capacity is possible because the series allows for easy up- or downscaling of cubic meters. C-Job R&D knowledge and tools support the customizable TSHD series at every turn. For example. the automation process ensures any proposed changes can be quickly checked. The system will show how changes will alter the design and whether it is indeed feasible almost immediately.

The first design

C-Job presented the first concept design of its TSHD series at the beginning of March 2021. This is for a 14,000 m3 multifunctional dredger, optimized for shallow water performance. Its key features are here below:

  • Twin gondola aft ship design
  • 2 x 1200 mm trailing suction pipes, up to 30m dredging depth
  • 2 x inboard dredge pump capable of parallel (trailing) or series (discharging) operations
  • Option for extended trailing pipe with submerged pump up to 100 m dredging depth
  • Self-unloading systems via bow coupling and discharge pipeline or rainbow system
  • 8 self-emptying bottom doors in one row
  • 4 x closed diffusion boxes for reduced turbulence and maximum control of trim during operation

Future fuels

As you would expect from C-Job, it has paid particular attention to the sustainable credentials of the new TSHD Series. Not only will all the dredgers within the series feature a Green Passport and Clean Design notation, the company’s research into hydrogen-based renewable fuels will provide customers an additional customization element.

“In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry, we must consider hydrogen-based renewable fuels,” says Basjan.

“With technology progressing at an ever-increasing rate, what isn’t possible now – may be possible in five years’ time. Especially as it becomes more readily available and affordable. At C-Job we aim to show these possibilities in our TSHD series and share our vision of the future of dredging with our clients.”

Stern view of artist impression TSHD series

Design philosophy

C-Job developed its TSHD Series after careful consultation with various stakeholders in the dredging industry. “Our design philosophy has always been that a client should be closely involved in the entire ship design process. This can only benefit the end product.”

The TSHD Series takes this way of thinking to the next level, providing ship owners with a unique modular, yet customizable series. Basjan concludes: “The C-Job TSHD fleet allows customization while reducing engineering time. A win-win situation for our clients.