Arco Dijk

At Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm), we pride ourselves on “going the extra yard” for our clients. This philosophy was put into practice during a recent project for Hanson Aggregates Marine, where our team, in close collaboration with Damen Marine Components (DMC), achieved a record-fast nozzle refit for the trailing suction hopper dredger, Arco Dijk.

Minimising downtime, maximising value

For operators in the sand and gravel extraction sector, every day of downtime counts double. Hanson Aggregates Marine, a long-standing partner, entrusted us with the ten-year class renewal survey of the Arco Dijk. During this process, it became clear that the vessel’s existing nozzles required replacement – a task where speed and precision were paramount.

Thanks to seamless cooperation between DSAm and DMC, we moved from initial request to signed order in just six days. Our teams leveraged decades of experience and in-house expertise to design, produce, and install two custom Optima nozzles, returning the Arco Dijk to service in record time.

Optima nozzle: a sustainable upgrade

The decision to fit DMC’s renewed Optima nozzle marked a significant upgrade in both design and efficiency. Specifically engineered for the Arco Dijk, the new nozzles feature a stainless-steel interior, ensuring extended service life and reduced maintenance. This life-extension docking enables Hanson Aggregates Marine to operate the vessel sustainably for at least another five years, until their newbuild enters service.

Precision engineering and teamwork

What sets Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam apart is our commitment to teamwork and craftsmanship. During engineering, DMC incorporated DSAm’s installation requirements, resulting in a perfect fit – no adjustments needed to the vessel’s headbox or struts. Installation was executed with millimetre precision, even in challenging conditions, thanks to advanced 3D measurement and positioning techniques.

Over the course of three weeks, our dock teams completed thirty jobs on the Arco Dijk, with the nozzle refit as a critical element. Every step was guided by the accumulated knowledge and dedication of our workforce, ensuring on-time completion and exceptional quality.

One stop shop: delivering added Value

This project exemplifies the strength of the Damen Group. By working as “One Damen”, we provided Hanson Aggregates Marine with a fully integrated solution, drawing on expertise from multiple divisions. The result: a client who was fully taken care of during a busy maintenance period, and a project that showcased the value of information exchange and collaboration within Damen.