Enhancing Deck Hatch Integrity on the TSHD Fairway

The TSHD Fairway, one of the largest trailing suction hopper dredgers in the Boskalis fleet, is a vital asset in large-scale dredging operations worldwide. With an impressive hopper capacity of 35,500 m³ and a length of over 230 meters, the vessel is designed to tackle some of the most demanding marine projects.

During a recent assessment, it was identified that certain deck hatches were experiencing torsional deformation due to the forces exerted by the hydraulic systems. This issue was attributed to asynchronous movement of the hydraulic actuators, leading to uneven stress distribution on the hatches.

To address this, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted, resulting in the reinforcement of the affected hatches to enhance their structural integrity. Additionally, the hydraulic system was reconfigured to ensure synchronized operation of the actuators, thereby reducing undue stress on the hatches.

These modifications have significantly improved the durability and reliability of the Fairway's deck infrastructure, ensuring its continued efficiency in demanding dredging operations.