Dredger 'Samuel de Champlain' to Become First in Europe to Be Converted to Dual-Fuel LNG

Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has been awarded a contract for the conversion of a dredger to dual-fuel combining clean-burning liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MPG). This will be the first conversion of its kind to take place in Europe. It is part of an EU-supported initiative to promote LNG propulsion in short-sea vessels operating along the European Atlantic coast. The contract was awarded by Rouen-based GIE Dragages-Ports for its 117m, 8500m³ trailing suction hopper dredger Samuel de Champlain, and the conversion will take place next year at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque. The current propulsion system of the Samuel de Champlain is diesel-electric burning MGO. The turnkey package includes the change of generators to dual-fuel models and the installation of onboard LNG storage facilities. The vessel was built in 2002 and is the largest vessel in the GIE Dragages-Ports fleet. Based in the Grand Maritime Port of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire, she divides her time between the Loire and Seine estuaries. The conversion work is scheduled for the autumn of 2018.