Imagine a vessel capable of cutting through the hardest rock formations at twice the conventional speed while minimizing environmental impact. The "Spartacus" represents such a technological leap forward in dredging operations, setting new benchmarks for performance and efficiency.
Technical Specifications: Foundation of Superior Performance
The "Spartacus" boasts impressive technical parameters that underpin its operational capabilities:
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Dimensions:
164 meters in length, 34 meters in width, with a molded depth of 10 meters and maximum draft of 7 meters, ensuring stability across diverse water conditions.
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Power:
Total installed power reaches 44,180 kW, delivering exceptional cutting and dredging capacity.
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Depth Capacity:
Operational dredging depth extends to 45 meters, significantly exceeding the industry standard of 35 meters.
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Material Transport:
Equipped with 1,200 mm diameter discharge pipes for efficient sediment transfer.
Core Advantages: Innovative Engineering Solutions
The vessel's true distinction lies in its groundbreaking design features that deliver unprecedented performance, efficiency, and environmental benefits:
1. Unmatched Cutting Capacity
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A 2,550-ton cutter head applies tremendous pressure to handle complex geological formations
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12,000 kW cutter power doubles conventional capacity for hard soil and rock excavation
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Fourteen interchangeable cutter heads adapt to varying soil conditions from fine sand to solid rock
2. Environmental Performance
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First LNG-powered cutter suction dredger globally, capable of using LNG, low-sulfur fuel oil, or marine diesel
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Advanced waste heat recovery system converts exhaust heat into electrical energy while utilizing LNG cold energy for cooling systems
3. Material Transport Efficiency
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25.5 MW pumping capacity enables sediment transport up to 10 kilometers without booster stations
4. Operational Enhancements
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Accommodates 72 crew members with vibration-dampened living quarters
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Advanced control systems enable single-operator management of heavy cutter arms
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Onboard maintenance facilities with vibration-isolated workshops minimize downtime
5. Extended Operational Range
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72-meter-long spud legs enable access to previously unreachable depths
Operational Applications
The vessel's capabilities support diverse marine construction projects:
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Port development and maintenance dredging
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Land reclamation and coastal expansion
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Waterway deepening and widening
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Subsea mineral extraction
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Environmental remediation dredging
Technical Innovations
Cutter Head Technology
The fourteen cutter head designs incorporate specialized materials and geometries for specific soil conditions. Hard rock applications utilize high-strength alloys with optimized tooth configurations, while soft sediment operations employ broad blades with reduced rotational speeds.
LNG Propulsion System
The dual-fuel system delivers cleaner combustion with reduced sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate emissions compared to conventional marine fuels. The system incorporates multiple safety mechanisms for reliable LNG storage and utilization.
Automated Control Systems
Integrated monitoring allows real-time performance tracking and parameter adjustments. Intelligent control algorithms automatically regulate cutter speed, advance rate, and excavation depth based on sensor inputs and predefined operational parameters.
Energy Recovery Systems
Waste heat boilers capture exhaust energy for steam generation and electrical production. Absorption chillers utilize recovered heat for vessel cooling requirements, reducing electrical demand.
Industry Impact
The "Spartacus" represents a paradigm shift in dredging technology, enabling projects previously considered impractical while establishing new benchmarks for environmental performance and operational efficiency. Its technological advancements point toward future developments in autonomous operation, enhanced sustainability, and expanded underwater construction capabilities.
