Isandlwana

The TSHD Isandlwana is a trailing suction hopper dredger operated by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), the South African port authority.

Name: Isandlwana (named after the historic site Isandlwana)

The Isandlwana is mainly used for:
Maintenance dredging in South African ports
Maintaining required depths in access channels, harbor basins, and fairways
Occasional capital dredging (e.g. deepening or widening works)

She is regularly active in and around major ports such as:
Durban
Richards Bay
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
Cape Town

Construction and design
The Isandlwana was built in 2010 and is still in active service.
Design, construction, and delivery were carried out by IHC Dredgers (part of Royal IHC) on behalf of TNPA.
Construction took place at Verenigde Scheepswerf Heusden B.V., the Netherlands.

Construction timeline
Contract awarded: May 2008 to IHC Dredgers for design, construction, and delivery
Keel laying: September 2009, marking the official start of construction
Naming and launch ceremony: April 2010 at the yard in Heusden, the Netherlands
Commissioning: Around October 2010, following sea trials and delivery

Classification and build standard
The Isandlwana was built in accordance with Lloyd’s Register of Shipping requirements and is classed as
+100 A1 Hopper Dredger +LMC UMS, indicating high structural and operational standards.

Technical features incorporated during construction
The vessel was built with advanced maritime systems, including:
Electrically driven bow thrusters for enhanced manoeuvrability
A telescopic overflow duct for improved dredging depth control during loading
Hydraulic systems and SCADA controls for automated dredging operations
Strong emphasis on crew comfort, including air conditioning and accommodation for 24 persons