Walkable Side Floats · Open Central Platform
High Operating Comfort, Spacious Design and Flexible Configuration
The “Electric Catamaran – Walk-In Pontoons” suction dredger combines the proven structural advantages of our open catamaran design with significantly enhanced comfort, accessibility and available space. Its generously dimensioned construction provides ideal conditions for convenient operation as well as easy maintenance and servicing.
The basic structure consists of two main side pontoons, a centrally positioned equipment platform, and a comfortable operator’s station with a spacious cabin. A forward section is attached to the main vessel to accommodate the suction pipe and is configured according to the required dredging depth.
Spacious Pontoons and Excellent Floating Stability
The two main pontoons have a standard width of 2.5 metres and a height of 2.3 metres each. Their length depends on the specific equipment configuration and typically ranges between 12 and 15 metres.
If a particular configuration requires greater lengths or additional installation space, the modular design allows the vessel to be extended. This may be necessary, for example, when integrating a power generator or other auxiliary equipment. The additional length required is achieved by installing further pontoon sections.
Furthermore, large-capacity fuel tanks can be integrated directly into the floating pontoons. This makes it possible to accommodate dredgers with independent power generation and correspondingly high fuel requirements without occupying valuable deck space with separate fuel tank installations.
Thanks to the generous dimensions of the main pontoons and the wide catamaran configuration, this suction dredger offers exceptional floating stability. This provides a stable and steady working platform while also creating ideal conditions for accommodating large, high-performance equipment.
From Compact to High-Capacity Dredge Pumps
The catamaran design is characterised by its exceptional flexibility and can be configured for a wide range of pumping capacities and operating conditions. Depending on the requirements, both smaller dredge pumps, such as the Döpke BP50/40 or Warman 10/8, and larger pumps, such as the Döpke BP50II or Warman 14/12, can be integrated.
In general, this design can be configured for dredging depths of up to 25 metres.
A Comfortable Workplace on Board
One of the key advantages of this design is the spacious operator’s cabin. It provides ample room for the control station as well as additional amenities such as a refrigerator, filing cabinet and air-conditioning unit. This transforms the suction dredger into a fully equipped and comfortable workplace, designed to accommodate an operator throughout continuous dredging operations.
The technical compartments are also generously dimensioned and clearly separated from one another. Sensitive electronic equipment is generally installed in the port pontoon, where it is well protected and housed in an air-conditioned environment. The transformer room is also located in this pontoon.
The starboard pontoon provides additional usable space and can be customised to meet the operator’s specific requirements – for example, as a workshop, toilet facility or spare parts storage area.
From Manned Operation to Fully Automated Dredging
This design also offers maximum flexibility in terms of control and automation technology. All levels of automation available from our company can be implemented and tailored to the specific operational requirements of the installation site.
When used as a permanently manned workplace, the catamaran provides an exceptionally high level of operational reliability and process control. The operator is located directly on board the dredger and can continuously monitor the entire dredging and material transport process. Operating conditions and changes in the dredging process can therefore be identified immediately, allowing appropriate measures to be taken whenever necessary.
At the same time, permanent staffing of the suction dredger is not essential. The system can also be designed for complete operation and monitoring from shore. Depending on the desired level of automation, not only can individual equipment units and the pumping process be remotely controlled, but key operating procedures can also be automated.
Functions ranging from automated dredger repositioning to fully automated dredging operations can be integrated into the control system. This allows the dredger to be operated conventionally from the onboard operator’s station, remotely from shore, or in a largely automated mode.
Operators can therefore choose the operating concept that best suits their individual requirements – from a permanently manned suction dredger to highly automated dredging operations controlled from shore.
Spacious Walkways and Excellent Accessibility
Generously dimensioned deck walkways provide comfortable and safe working conditions. The equipment is arranged openly on the central platform, ensuring excellent accessibility. This allows inspection, servicing and maintenance work to be carried out conveniently and efficiently.
As an option, the entire equipment area – the central equipment platform – can be enclosed beneath a sound-insulating roof structure. In addition to significantly reducing noise emissions, this enclosure provides extra protection for the technical components and helps prevent unauthorised access and vandalism.
The “Electric Catamaran – Walk-In Pontoons” is therefore an exceptionally versatile dredger design for operators seeking to combine high pumping capacities and flexible configuration options with excellent floating stability, generous space, easy maintenance and a comfortable working environment.
At the same time, its flexible automation concept allows the dredger to be individually adapted to the preferred operating method – from conventional, continuously supervised operation to largely automated dredging.
Your Benefits:
- Design: Catamaran configuration with two walkable main pontoons, a central platform, and a separate bow section
- Pontoon Dimensions: Standard dimensions of approximately 2.5 m in width and 2.3 m in height per pontoon
- Pontoon Length: Typically approximately 12–15 m, depending on the configuration
- Modular Expandability: Additional pontoon sections allow for larger system configurations and the installation of additional equipment
- High Floating Stability: Ensured by generously dimensioned main pontoons and the wide catamaran design
- Dredging Depth: Configurable for dredging depths of up to 25 m
- Dredge Pumps: Ranging from Döpke BP50/40 or Warman 10/8 to Döpke BP50II or Warman 14/12
- Spacious Operator’s Cabin: Fully equipped workstation with sufficient space for a control console, air conditioning unit, refrigerator, filing cabinet, and additional equipment
- Protected Electronics: Climate-controlled accommodation for electronic equipment and a dedicated transformer room within the port pontoon
- Flexible Use: Starboard pontoon can be used as a workshop, restroom, spare parts storage area, or for other purposes
- Fuel Supply: Large-capacity fuel tanks can be integrated directly into the floating pontoons
- Ease of Maintenance: Spacious walkways and excellent accessibility to all machinery and equipment
- Noise Protection: Optional enclosure of the central platform with a sound-insulated roof
- Vandalism Protection: Additional protection of machinery and equipment provided by the optional enclosure
- Automation: All levels of automation offered by our company can be implemented
- Operating Concepts: Ranging from a permanently staffed operator’s cabin to fully remote operation and monitoring from shore
- Automated Operation: Automated dredger repositioning and fully automated dredging processes are possible
- Process Reliability: Particularly high level of process control with a permanently staffed operator’s cabin, enabling direct monitoring of the dredging and material transport processes
