Cameroon’s Port Authority of Douala (PAD) has acquired high-tech equipment from Royal IHC to support its dredging activities, an order that builds on the excellent partnership between both organisations.

As part of measures to autonomously manage its dredging activities, the Management of the PAD acquired an IHC Beaver 50® cutter suction dredger and a DMC work boat, which were both delivered in 2019. This first order will soon be completed by an IHC Easydredge® trailing suction hopper dredger with a 3,000m³ hopper capacity. This vessel will be used to dredge the access channel to the port of Douala-Bonabéri.

The IHC Easydredge® is a product within IHC’s successful standardised range of dredging vessels. The flexible concept, available in four models and with hopper capacities ranging from 500 to 4,000m³, is ideal for most common maintenance and land reclamation projects. PAD’s Easydredge® is designed with sufficient space to house various options, and can be customised so that it can adapt to its dedicated working environment.

The order further strengthens the partnership between the PAD and IHC. Beyond the acquisition of dredging equipment, the cooperation also includes an extensive training and support programme aimed at developing and strengthening the skills of PAD’s technical staff at a high level. This is a confirmation of the strategy developed by IHC to support and increase the capacities of partner companies in their dredging projects.

IHC’s involvement in PAD’s autonomous dredging management projects will significantly reduce costs and control-related expenses, while improving the port’s operational flexibility. “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with the PAD on its dredging autonomisation project,” says IHC’s Sales Manager Africa, Bas Kockmann. “Above all, this will contribute to the better navigability and operability of the port, as well as support PAD’s growth objectives.”

For General Manager Cyrus Ngo’o, the new impetus in place at the PAD is aimed at adapting to evolutions in the port sector: “We are cooperating closely with certain partners to draw from their experience, and use their knowledge and expertise to improve and make our infrastructures and superstructures viable. This will ensure a more effective development, and guarantee the regulation and growth of the logistics platform under our responsibility.”

Royal IHC has signed three contracts with the Jordan-based Arab Potash Company (APC) to deliver two cutter suction dredgers (CSDs) and implement a new maintenance agreement. The first contract comprises the delivery of a custom-built CSD, the second is a three-year maintenance contract for the IHC dredgers JARASH and MUTAH, and the third involves another dredger, which will be a copy of JARASH.

Introducing the ALKARAMAH

The newly built CSD – the ALKARAMAH – is based on a modified, innovative IHC Beaver® 65 DDSP with three different working depth ranges: up to 18, 25 and 32 metres. It will be further adapted for the stepping, swinging and cutting of firm soil types, and include a Christmas tree configuration for dredging at 32 metres. A work boat modified from a DMC 1450 is also part of the contract and both units will be made suitable for operations in the Dead Sea.

Included in the contract will be the supply and international transport of equipment and services to ensure a smooth start-up of activities at two different locations. Furthermore, APC will be supported by IHC with extensive field engineering services such as overland transportation, (de)mobilisation, dredger modifications, crew training, and maintenance support services.

APC will deploy the CSD at the Dead Sea in Jordan, where it will be initially used to develop a new pump station. After completion, the ALKARAMAH will be modified by IHC and redeployed to APC’s Salt Ponds to support the existing fleet in the cutting and removal of crystallised salt.

Three-year maintenance contract

The second contract comprises a three-year maintenance agreement for APC’s dredgers: JARASH (a custom-built CSD) and MUTAH (an IHC Beaver® 40), both delivered by IHC. The purpose of the maintenance contract is to achieve and maintain an agreed level of uptime for the two dredgers.

All maintenance and repair work will be managed and executed by IHC’s local office in the Middle East, including the supply of spare parts. With this contract, IHC is now delivering a complete integrated value proposition, from the design and build to maintenance, with an agreement in place regarding the performance of the dredgers.

Supporting long-term growth

The third contract will see the turnkey supply of a custom-built vessel named ALYARMOUK – a 3,557kW CSD. It is a further developed copy of the CSD JARASH, which IHC delivered to APC in 2018. As part of its long-term growth strategy, APC will use ALYARMOUK at its site in Jordan, where it will cut and remove crystallised salt under harsh conditions.

Through the three contracts, IHC remains fully committed to further developing its long lasting cooperation with APC in the field of dredging and wet-mining by supplying dredgers, equipment and services. This total integrated value proposition will help to support and maximise APC’s growth, competitiveness and profitability in the global wet mining market.

“We are proud that Arab Potash has again chosen IHC to be its reliable partner,” says IHC’s Regional Commercial Director Amin Ezzedin. “This includes not only the delivery of a newly built vessel, but also a custom-built copy of the JARASH, as well as supporting our business continuity through a multi-year contract in the field of services.”

Orion Group Holdings, Inc. a leading specialty construction company, announced contract awards totaling approximately $24 million.

The Company’s Marine segment has been awarded two separate contracts to construct energy-related infrastructure on the Gulf Coast. Both projects will commence in the first quarter and be completed before the end of the year.

“These projects enhance the backlog of our marine operations and position our resources well to maximize utilization,” said Mark Stauffer, Orion’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Despite recent concerns over the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain highly confident in the long-term fundamentals of our end markets,” Mr. Stauffer concluded.