Damen Shipyards Group and Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, have signed a contract for the construction of a new trailing suction grab hopper dredger with advanced environmental features.
The agreement, concluded through ABP’s subsidiary UK Dredging (UKD), is said to represent an important milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the two organisations and the growing capability of UKD. In 2025, Damen successfully delivered the UKD Seadragon, a Shoalbuster 2711 WID (water injection dredger), to ABP. This new order further strengthens the positive partnership between the companies and reflects their ongoing commitment to supporting efficient and sustainable dredging operations.
UKD is responsible for providing essential dredging services across ports and waterways throughout the United Kingdom. The dredger will play a crucial role in maintaining navigational depths and supporting safe, efficient vessel access to ABP’s ports.
The vessel, based on the Damen TSHD 1000 design, has been customised to meet the specific operational needs of UKD. Construction will take place at the Ha Long Shipyard, and the dredger is expected to be ready for maintenance duties in 2028.
The vessel will be fitted with a diesel-electric propulsion system incorporating an energy storage system, as well as a Damen after-treatment ULEV-compliant exhaust system featuring SCR and DPF filters, aligning with the latest environmental standards in the maritime industry. The 60m vessel will be equipped with an electrically driven grab crane.
Mark Pearson, GM UKD, said: “We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Damen on this important addition to our fleet, further boosting UKD’s sector leading capability. The new TSHD 1000 will enhance our ability to maintain ports across the UK efficiently and sustainably, supporting our mission to provide reliable dredging services for our customers as a key part of ABP’s mission Keeping Britain Trading. The new multi-purpose TSHD 1000 is designed to support UKD’s commitment to sustainable and efficient port maintenance.”
Joppe Neijens, Sales Manager, Damen Shipyards, added: “This contract marks another milestone in our longstanding relationship with UKD. We are proud to deliver a vessel that combines proven Damen design with bespoke features to meet UKD’s operational needs.”
Image: Damen THSD 1000 dredger (source: Damen Shipyards)
