A new niche for Alstom to equip the first 8,500 cu. m. hopper dredge with electric propulsion. Alstom Power Conversion has been awarded a contract by E.N. Bazan-Juliana Constructora Gijonesa SA to equip the new 8,500 cu. m. hopper dredge for Dragages-Ports. Alstom will supply diesel electric power and propulsion systems including main generators, a 6.6 kV switchboard, distribution transformers and two synchronous motors each of 2,500 kW @ 1,500 rpm supplied through synchroconverters.
This 8,500 cu. m. hopper dredge will be the first worldwide to be equipped with electric propulsion. This new dredge will operate in France from Summer 2002.