Posted on October 6, 2021
DSC Dredge announces another successful delivery and launch of its 48th Wolverine in Azerbaijan, adding a new country to its loyal customers
RESERVE, LOUISIANA – In October 2019 DSC announced the winning of the bid for a new, non-propelled, cutter suction head dredge solicited by the Marine Design Center (MDC) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Amidst the pandemic and all other potential setbacks laid out in 2020, DSC proudly announces the successful delivery and launch of its 48th Wolverine. The new tier 3 diesel engine cutter suction head dredge will benefit the country of Azerbaijan by increasing their maritime operational capabilities and add them to the many loyal customers of DSC, which now spans close to 50 countries around the world.
The Wolverine will not only be maintaining harbor entrances and shipping channels of State Border Service Coast Guard Ports but the procurement of the dredge for the nation of Azerbaijan was part of a broader U.S. Department of Defense program to enhance Azerbaijan’s maritime security. The dredge will enable the Coast Guard of the State Border Service to continue operating its fleet of vessels unimpeded by encroaching sediment located in the Caspian Sea.
One of the top features of the Wolverine is its’ compact conventional and single truck transportability design; it is also hydraulically driven and operates off a two-spud system. This design of this vessel was no different, with a hull length of approximately 60 feet and width of 12. At maximum dredging depth this custom vessel can discharge the dredge material through up to 3,500 feet of floating discharge pipe at sea level.
With environmental awareness at the forefront of the design, only environmentally acceptable lubricants were used throughout the hydraulic system and the dredge includes a battery start engine rated at minimum 400 HP – the radiator cooled engine includes an air cleaner, muffler, and control panel.
The project was executed in three (3) phases. Phase I – Planning, Scheduling & Engineering; Phase II – Construction and Testing at Manufacturer’s Facility; Phase III – Assembly and Testing at the final destination site in Azerbaijan.
“There was extensive coordination between MDC, DSC Dredge, U.S. Navy, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and the Azerbaijan Coast Guard particularly for the delivery and testing phase of this effort. From start to finish, DSC Dredge rapidly and professionally executed coordination measures and contract actions that ensured a successful project outcome,” said USACE MDC Program Manager Brendan McNichol.
“We are excited to see this project come to life, COVID not only affected many industries but brought into light a lot of new safety protocols. On behalf of Bill and myself we want to thank the US Government and the country of Azerbaijan for trusting us to make their vision a reality,” noted Bob Wetta, President and CEO of DSC Dredge.
DSC Wolverine Class dredges are available in Tier 4 configuration or lesser regulated for export.
At DSC Dredge, we help customers make THE RIGHT CHOICE, and this opportunity was no different. DSC designs and manufactures high quality, durable cutter suction and underwater pump mining dredges. Quality, Innovation, Service, Commitment and Customization are key DSC attributes which explain the reasons customers choose to work with DSC. DSC Dredge operates from three manufacturing facilities located in Reserve, LA, Poplarville, MS, and Greenbush, MI. For more information about the company and its products, services and customized solutions, please visit www.dscdredge.com and follow us on Social Media.
