Bahia San Carlos

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROYAL IHC.

Being built from the stock program allowed Royal IHC to comply with SEMAR’s request for an ultra-short delivery time. Following successful sea trials in the North Sea in October, the new vessel was delivered on time on 16 December for deployment on a national maintenance programme by the Mexican Navy. This will involve deepening rivers on the country’s east coast and helping to prevent fooding in Tabasco. As the Easydredge® is a standardised series of vessels, it benefts from short lead times and is a costefective option for customers seeking quick delivery. The vessels are equipped to perform all normal dredging operations and they are easy to operate. The straightforward design and reliability of the vessel incorporates decades of hopper dredge innovation and will contribute to the efciency of the SEMAR dredge feet. The Bahia San Carlos was outftted with standard options as well as client specifc modifcations including a hydrographic presentation system (DTPS) and the Operations Monitoring application for onshore monitoring and supporting of the operation.

In line with the Royal IHC philosophy to remain engaged with their client during the operations as a total solution partner, extensive training for the crew has been provided and spare parts for the vessel supplied. The relation with SEMAR dates back to the eighties when they frst purchased dredger Ciudad del Carmen from Royal IHC.

“Last year, SEMAR purchased a Beaver® from Royal IHC and recognises its vast experience and proven track record in the dredging market”, says Ronald van Son, Director Dredging Vessels. “The fast delivery time of less than a year was a crucial factor in its decision to order the Easydredge®. This project has run very >>

Easydredge® Hopper capacity (m3) Deadweight (tonnes) Max draught (m) Suction tube diameter (mm) 2700 2,700 4,140 5.50 700

Max dredging depth (m) Speed (kn) Complement (persons)

25 11.5 14

smoothly, and everything has gone according to schedule.”

SEMAR also recognises the quality and added value provided by Royal IHC, particularly in terms of training and spare parts. Project Manager Jan Willem Stuurman says: “We had an excellent relationship with the new crew –they were really enthusiastic about the vessel and commented on the high level of quality.” The Bahia San Carlos is the sixth Easydredge® vessel to be sold by Royal IHC and the company believes demand for its modular TSHDs will increase further. The line-up comprises four vessel sizes: Easydredge®700, 1700, 2700 and 3700, which range in volume from 500 to 4,000m3 .

Another new and exciting journey for Royal IHC started on 1 January of this year, as Jan Pieter Klaver started as CEO of Royal IHC. He thus takes over from Gerben Eggink, who fulflled the role of CEO on an interim basis for more than a year and a half. With the appointment of Jan Pieter Klaver, Royal IHC is bringing in an experienced CEO from the maritime sector. Together with Paul van der Harten (CFO) and Kees van der Snel (COO), they form the three-member Executive Board. After his training as a civil engineer at the Technical University of Delft, Jan Pieter started at Heerema. During his more than 25-year career at Heerema, Mr Klaver fulflled various (management) roles, including manager of the Heerema shipyard in Vlissingen. After being CEO of Heerema Fabrication Group for a number On 1 January of this year, Jan Pieter of years, he became CEO of Heerema Marine Klaver started as CEO of Royal IHC. Contractors in 2009. In 2017, he made the move to Kenz Figee, where he was CEO until recently. “My knowledge and experience in the market will come in handy to further shape the future of Royal IHC”, says Mr Klaver. “Mr Eggink has established a strong foundation on which I will continue to build. I look forward to helping Royal IHC to lead the way in making the maritime industry more sustainable and efcient, together with all employees. With all the qualities that this wonderful company has in-house, I have full confdence in it!”