Posted on October 10, 2025
A proud moment unfolded last Friday as global maritime contractor Boskalis marked a major milestone with the christening and launch of its latest trailing suction hopper dredger, Seaway, at the Royal IHC shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel.
The event drew an impressive crowd of more than 3,000 attendees, including employees, suppliers, and invited guests, all gathered to witness the launch of the vessel. The christening ceremony was carried out by Mrs. Ande Berdowski, the spouse of the chairman of Boskalis’ supervisory board, who set the vessel in motion with a traditional bottle break against the hull — a symbolic start to its operational journey.
The Seaway represents the next step in Boskalis’ ongoing investment in modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible dredging equipment. While the company has not disclosed specific technical details in the announcement, its new vessel is expected to enhance Boskalis’ global dredging capabilities across major infrastructure and coastal protection projects.
Launching a new dredger at Royal IHC — a well-known Dutch shipbuilder with a strong record in custom-built maritime vessels — underscores the Netherlands’ continued leadership in dredging technology and shipbuilding expertise. Both companies share a long-standing collaboration rooted in advancing sustainable maritime operations.
The presence of thousands of guests at the launch highlights not only the scale of the achievement but also the deep sense of pride among Boskalis’ workforce. As the vessel glided into the water for the first time, applause from the crowd echoed through the shipyard, marking the start of what promises to be an active operational career.
Boskalis announced that the Seaway will enter service next summer, expanding the company’s fleet for international dredging assignments. The vessel’s deployment is expected to play a vital role in supporting port development, coastal maintenance, and land reclamation projects across multiple regions.
