Posted on August 17, 2026
Building a new trailing suction hopper dredger takes years. During that time, work is focused on preparing for the sea trials – the moment when the vessel is put to the test in real-world conditions for the first time. In the case of Boskalis’ new 31,000 m³ trailing suction hopper dredger Seaway, this took place in July, and the vessel passed with flying colors.
Recently, the Seaway also started its first project. Off the coast of Den Helder in the Netherlands, the hopper dredger is being deployed to nourish the channel embankment, protecting the coastline against natural erosion and rising sea levels. The first time the Seaway used her rainbow technique to deposit the sand in the right spot off the coast, it produced some stunning photos. Those photos became even more beautiful when our trailing suction hopper dredger Strandway came to assist her ‘big sister’.
This maiden project of our Seaway is part of a major Rijkswaterstaat contract recently awarded to Boskalis Nederland to protect this section of the Dutch coast. In addition to the works near Den Helder, the contract also includes beach nourishment on the Wadden Sea island of Texel and foreshore nourishment near the town of Julianadorp. Other Boskalis trailing suction hopper dredgers will also contribute to these coastal protection works in the coming years.
We wish the crews of our Seaway and Strandway every success on this project and thank all colleagues who have contributed to the Seaway’s construction over the past few years.
