Hitachi excavators go offshore
Four Hitachi EX1200-7 large excavators are to be installed on a vessel that will safeguard undersea cables and provide erosion protection measures for wind turbine foundations.
Controlled and precise work
Two of the excavators will be used to load boulders from the harbour and will be placed on the sides of the George W. Goethals. The other pair will work from a central location to distribute the load evenly and ensure controlled dumping onto the seabed.
The vessel has a capacity of 37,000 tonnes and can precisely place extra-large boulders to a depth of up to 400 metres.
Going all-electric
Belgian dealer Luyckx is installing the machines and converting them to fully electric propulsion. The company will also integrate its in-house collision prevention system to ensure maximum safety and precision.
The unique project is being overseen by Belgian maritime construction company, Jan De Nul.
"This is a milestone in the history of our family business. We are proud to enter a new segment: the offshore sector. We are challenged to achieve new levels of innovation, international collaboration and technical excellence."
– Chantal and Jos Luyckx Luyckx
