The 10-year regulatory dry dock: a major milestone for the OCEAN TRAVERSE NORD dredge at the Isle-aux-Coudres shipyard

For the past ten years, the suction dredge OCEAN TRAVERSE NORD (OTN) has been an essential pillar of the marine industry in Quebec and the Caribbean. Having played a crucial role in keeping the waterways of the St. Lawrence accessible and safe, this dredge has recently reached a major milestone: a 10-year regulatory dry dock period.

A little history

The OTN suction dredge was designed and built entirely by the experts at Ocean Group. The company’s naval architects designed this engineering masterpiece, whose drawings were turned into reality at the Isle-aux-Coudres shipyard.

The work was completed and the dredge was officially launched in 2012. Since then, the OTN has dredged for 47,000 hours! This powerful machine, known as a suction or trailing suction hopper dredge, is distinguished by its incredible capacity to load dredged material.

Regulatory dry dock for the OCEAN TRAVERSE NORD

Last December, the OTN entered the Ocean Group shipyard in Isle-aux-Coudres for its 10-year regulatory dry dock. This is a common practice in the marine industry, where ships are taken out of the water (hence the term dry dock) for complete rejuvenation. In the case of the OTN, this work took place over a period of four (4) months under the care of several specialists.

complete rejuvenation

Among the work carried out, we immediately notice the painting of the hull, as well as the interior of the ship. The propulsion systems were dismantled and the engines and generators were completely rebuilt. The suction hopper dredging piping and the bilge filling piping were redone, and the draught system was also modernized which results in a great improvement of the dredging system.

In addition, the hydraulic cylinders for closing the hold were refurbished and the navigation light system was modernized. Finally, hull inspections and thickness measurements were performed to ensure compliance. In all, the rejuvenation work required 25,000 hours of work and the synergy of experts from Ocean Group’s Marine Works and Dredging and Naval Construction and Repair business units.

Leaving the drydock for the OCEAN TRAVERSE NORD

The dry dock exit went smoothly, and there is still some work to be completed afloat. The OTN will be ready for another dredging season in the waters of the St. Lawrence. It will then head back to the warmer waters of the Caribbean next fall where her services are eagerly awaited.