Written by the editorial board of PortalPortuario
@PortalPortuario
BD outlets Received it New Emerald Duchess vibes, The £23 million vessel was completed after a series of sea trials in the Netherlands.
The 71-metre emerald Duchess made her way to the PD Port Protection Quay in Middlesbrough, in the shadow of the carrier bridge, where she was officially welcomed by the government. CEO Frans Calgi.
Equipped with an innovative smart energy management system, the dredger can alternate between power from a battery pack equivalent to 10 Tesla cars and fuel made from hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel.
It is also ready for future innovations, with hatches above the engine room allowing the power units to be changed to modern fuel cells as the technology matures, using methanol or ethanol fuel.
The Emerald Duchess, which can transport 2,500 tonnes and hold 2,000 cubic metres of dredged material, is the latest in a series of investments by PD Ports in assets that will support its efforts to become a sustainable ports company, including two £9m Liebherr electro-hydraulic bulk cargo cranes at Tees Dock.
As a Statutory Port Authority (SHA), PD Ports has powers to dredge to legally agreed levels to enable commercial operations along the Tees and at Hartlepool, creating a safe and consistent passage for ships in depths of up to 17 metres.
“It is a great honour to welcome Emerald Duchess to the Tees and to have her officially recognised as a British vessel registered in Middlesbrough,” said Frans Kalje. “Emerald Duchess is a significant investment for PD Ports and represents our commitment to the river and the wider responsibilities we have as the statutory port authority for the Port of Tees and Hartlepool.”
“Without dredging, all economic activity in the area would cease within weeks, or even days. This is a vital service to keep the beating heart of the region running efficiently, supporting around 22,000 jobs,” the executive added.
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