Royal IHC – Electric Powered CSD 6,8MW

In cooperation with Royal IHC, Gebhard Electro delivered the complete electrical installation for two fully electric Cutter Suction Dredgers (CSDs) for Kenmare Resources. The vessels will operate at the Nataka mine site in Mozambique and are fully powered by renewable hydro-electric energy, enabling zero-emission dredging in a demanding mining environment.

With a total installed electrical power of 6.8 MVA per vessel, Gebhard Electro was responsible for the full electrical scope, from high-voltage distribution to low-voltage systems, drives, motors and integration.

One integrated electrical scope: HV and LV

A key aspect of this project is the fully integrated electrical scope delivered by Gebhard Electro. Both the high-voltage and low-voltage installations were engineered and supplied as one coordinated system.

By designing HV and LV together, interfaces between transformers, switchboards, drives and auxiliary systems were optimized from the start. This approach reduces complexity, improves system stability and ensures predictable performance during continuous operation.

Drive systems for dredging and auxiliaries

The electrical installation includes a water-cooled electric drive system for the dredge pump and an air-cooled multidrive system supplying various auxiliary consumers such as winches and pumps. All drives are based on ABB ACS880 technology and selected to match the operational profile of heavy-duty mining applications.

In addition, Hydraulic Power Units are supplied via soft starters, and all associated electric motors were delivered as part of the integrated system scope.

EMC as a core design principle

Given the high power levels and continuous operation, EMC was treated as a core engineering discipline throughout the project. Cable routing, separation of power and control circuits, grounding philosophy and shielding were all defined as part of the overall system design.

By integrating EMC considerations at system level, rather than addressing them locally. Electrical interference is minimized, system reliability is improved and long-term operational stability is ensured.

System integration and commissioning

All electrical systems were engineered, installed and commissioned under the responsibility of Gebhard Electro. The result is a fully integrated, electrically balanced installation that supports emission-free dredging while meeting the high reliability requirements of mining operations.

This project demonstrates how a fully electric dredger can be delivered successfully when high-voltage, low-voltage, drives and EMC are treated as one coherent system.