Rohr-Idreco debuts Hawk, Falcon dredges

Rohr-Idreco Dredge Systems added two new cutter suction dredge (CSD) models to its product lineup.

Rohr-Idreco developed the Hawk CSD model for dredging up to 45 ft., and the Falcon CSD for up to 65 ft. with a 26-in. pump. The dredges are electrically driven, including the pump, cutter head and winches, with an add-on diesel generator power unit installed onboard for when there is no access possible to the electrical grid.

An example of a cutter suction dredge

Rohr-Idreco says the diesel generator power units will eventually be replaceable by hydrogen-based power systems or fuel cells.

“With our roots in the wet mining industry, we have been building electrical dredges for decades and have delivered well over 600 of these units worldwide, including close to 100 in the United States,” says Fulco Vrooland Löb, group CEO at Rohr-Idreco. “Traditionally, cutter suction dredges used by the contractors were diesel driven. In the last few years however, we see more and more interest from contractors also looking into zero-emission electric dredge systems.”

By taking out the mechanical and hydraulic drive systems, Rohr-Idreco says energy efficiency is significantly optimized – even when the dredges are running on the diesel generators. Through a dual mode – linking the dredge to the electrical grid when possible and running on diesel when not – the dredges can be put to work on traditional contract dredging projects, as well as on projects in sensitive or urban settings where zero emission operations are required.

The dredges are equipped with Rohr-Idreco iPumps, the company adds, and spud carriers are included for the Hawk and Falcon.

The dredges are designed to be fully dismountable for ease of transportation worldwide, the company says. They are assembled in Houston for the U.S. market.