Keel-laying Ceremony for Hanson’s MAD

On October 3, 2019, Damen Shipyards Galati hosted a celebration marking the keel-laying of a Damen Marine Aggregate Dredger (MAD) 3500 for Hanson UK. The event was well attended by representatives of both Damen Shipyards Group and Hanson UK.

The keel of the new MAD 3500 was laid at the Romanian yard a few days prior to the celebration, on September 20th. At this event, tradition was observed with the inclusion of four coins in the keel – a Romanian lei, a British pound, a Dutch guilder and a euro.

The MAD is a new design from Damen that can dredge material at depths of up to -55 meters. It applies innovative maritime technology to ensure operability in harsh conditions – Hanson will operate its vessel in the English Channel and the North Sea – without compromising on safety.

The MAD 3500 will be constructed at the Galati yard, while the modular dredge system will be provided by Damen Dredging Equipment in Nijkerk, the Netherlands. Hanson’s MAD 3500 will also feature a dry unloading system from PLM Cranes.

Hanson is amongst Europe’s largest producers of marine dredged sand and gravel. The company is a leading supplier of building materials to the heavy construction industry, producing aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt and cement & cement-related products.