Posted on April 2, 2026
Just like people rely on their feet to move forward, a backhoe dredger depends on its spuds to operate with precision. For Boskalis’ backhoe dredger Magnor, three massive spuds act as its “dredging feet,” enabling the vessel to position itself accurately during dredging operations. Given their constant movement and heavy-duty use, wear and tear are inevitable. Periodic overhauls are therefore essential to ensure long-term reliability and performance.
Recently, the 40-meter-long spuds of our “Magnificent Magnor” were lifted off the vessel for complete refurbishment. With a maximum bucket capacity of 36 m³ and an overall length of 72 meters, the Magnor proudly holds the title of the largest backhoe dredger in the world. After extensive refurbishment and renewal, the spuds have now been successfully reinstalled at the Reimerswaal shipyard in Flushing, the Netherlands.
The works were executed with a strong focus on safety, fully aligned with Boskalis safety program NINA (No Injuries, No Accidents). Through good preparation, clear communication, and strong safety leadership on the work floor, all activities were completed safely. This project is a strong example of Boskalis’ craftsmanship, teamwork, and professionalism. We would like to thank the colleagues involved for their hard work during this repair period, and we wish the crew every success with their next project.
Curious about the capabilities of our Magnor? Please read this article in our online magazine Creating New Horizons: https://lnkd.in/et-epxus.
