Damen Delivers UKD Seadragon Shoalbuster to UK Dredging

Post by : Amit

Photo: Reuters

Gorinchem, Netherlands / UK — In a key development for coastal maritime operations, the Damen Shipyards Group has successfully delivered the Shoalbuster 2711, named UKD Seadragon, to UK Dredging, a division of Associated British Ports (ABP). This marks a significant enhancement to UK Dredging’s fleet, as the vessel brings a new level of versatility and power tailored for shallow-water work and port support across the United Kingdom.

The Shoalbuster 2711 is a compact yet high-powered workboat designed for complex operational environments, particularly those with limited draft and heavy-duty requirements. Measuring just over 27 meters in length and 11 meters wide, UKD Seadragon offers a powerful bollard pull and robust winching capabilities, making it suitable for dredging support, towing, buoy handling, and anchor deployment. Its shallow draft of under three meters enables it to operate efficiently in estuaries, coastal inlets, and nearshore zones—areas that traditional tugboats or larger vessels may struggle to access.

Damen’s delivery of the UKD Seadragon represents the latest chapter in a long-standing collaboration with UK Dredging, which operates a fleet of specialized vessels for maintaining ABP’s port infrastructure. The new Shoalbuster will assist in ensuring continued navigability and safety within UK ports, particularly by supporting dredgers and performing critical logistical tasks around maritime construction and maintenance. Officials from UKD noted that the vessel’s multipurpose design is especially valuable for dynamic British coastal conditions, where operational flexibility is essential.

Built at Damen’s Gorinchem shipyard in the Netherlands, the UKD Seadragon showcases the company’s expertise in modular shipbuilding and rapid delivery without compromising quality or reliability. The vessel includes modern onboard systems and accommodation for a small crew, allowing it to undertake longer missions while ensuring safety and comfort. Damen has emphasized the Shoalbuster’s strength-to-size ratio as a key innovation, enabling powerful performance from a compact hull design.

In addition to its mechanical performance, the UKD Seadragon has been designed with long-term sustainability in mind. While not a hybrid vessel, it features efficient engines and smart fuel systems that help reduce emissions and operating costs. Damen has also indicated that the ship’s design allows for future upgrades, including hybrid retrofitting, should environmental regulations or client preferences evolve in the coming years.

The addition of the UKD Seadragon to UK Dredging’s fleet underscores the importance of agile, multipurpose workboats in the modern maritime landscape. As global shipping volumes continue to grow and coastal infrastructure faces increasing demands, vessels like the Shoalbuster 2711 provide critical support to port authorities and dredging firms. With this delivery, UK Dredging is well-equipped to meet both current and future operational challenges, reinforcing the United Kingdom’s port readiness and maritime resilience.

Damen UKD Seadragon Shoalbuster, UK