3 Extra Specifications for Successful Dredging Works in a Digital Era
‘Less than 1% of data in businesses is analysed and turned into benefits’ SAP
Modern technology and tools make it possible to manage projects with more precision than ever before, ensuring a successful outcome. Three extra specifications guarantee better control of the success of your marine or dredging project by maintaining compliance, meeting scheduled deadlines and staying within budget.
1. Equipment specifications
Brochures on equipment are typically insufficient to verify if the schedule provided by the contractor is achievable and realistic. Better safe than sorry! Make sure that the equipment is sufficiently defined to verify the schedule with modern estimating tools. Here are three examples:
a. Long pumping distance
Request information on pumps and pipelines such as pump curves and pump-drive characteristics so you can verify the discharge production. No in-house expertise or time to look into this? The only commercially available tool, Pumps ‘n Pipeline, developed by i2D, quickly makes the calculations for you, and helps you assess how realistic the schedule is.
b. Hard rock
The engine power of a cutter does not define the production level of a cutter suction dredge. The cutter head, ladder, spud and side winch are just as important. Unfortunately, these items often limit production in hard rock. i2D’s Subsea Rock Cutting tool verifies cutting production based on all parameters.
c. Spill
The spill rate of our source term for turbidity assessments depends on production rates. Work methodology and dredge specifics have to be sufficiently defined to accurately estimate the production rate and therefore the spill rate. i2D estimators utilise modern digital tools to quickly and reliably estimate production levels.
2. Acquiring equipment performance data
Modern equipment is able to acquire ASCII data from the sensors installed on board the equipment. Data objectively monitors the performance and provides an ideal tool to manage the equipment.
Is the vessel compliant with local regulations? Is the vessel fit for purpose? Are the production targets being met? Submission of equipment performance data on a dredging or marine project is often mandatory, but the data is rarely processed and turned into benefits. Start to process the equipment data daily with i2D’s Equipment Performance Review tool. It only takes a few minutes, but can make a world of difference.
Tip! Ensure that the equipment sensors are correctly calibrated. Allow time in your specifications to suspend the work in order to recalibrate the system.
3. Progress surveys
Pre-dredge and post-dredge surveys are normally required, and the client typically also requests the raw unprocessed survey data. However, the client rarely requests progress surveys and volume calculations on progress. Modern survey processing tools allow for a quick turnaround of survey data, which enables daily submission of progress survey data.
Dredging consultants
in2Dredging (i2D) consultants are uniquely specialised in dredging. All of our consultants have worked for the large dredging contractors and understand how a contractor thinks.
Contact us to talk about how we can help you make your next project run seamlessly.
