Lange Wapper: signalling an advance in dredger technology

Without doubt, Lange Wapper represents a new milestone in trailer dredger d esign, heralding the competitiveness of a 13,700m(3) type in a market where vessels of around 8000m(3) have hitherto prevailed. Newly-built in The Net herlands for a progressive, Antwerp-based company, this ship is a showcase for the Low Countries' know-how in dredge construction and operation. She b reaks new ground in her remarkable combination of load capacity and draught , in the advances she incorporates in essential tools of dredging such as t he draghead and jetting systems, and in the level of integration of her com puter-controlled dredging, propulsion and navigating systems. David Tinsley reports.