Dredger arrives to ensure River Tees safety

The dredger has been undergoing sea trials in the Netherlands

A massive dredger has arrived on Teesside after undergoing sea trials in the Netherlands.

The Emerald Duchess will ply 12 miles (19 kilometres) of the River Tees to the North Sea and at the port of Hartlepool.

Employing the latest technology, and said to be environmentally sustainable, it has the capacity to carry 2,500 tonnes and hold up 2,000 cubic metres of dredged material.

PD Ports said it would ensure the river remained safe and accessible for the thousands of vessels using it every year.

The dredger can swap between power from a battery pack, equivalent to 10 Tesla cars, and fuel made from hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel.

Hatches above the engine room will allow power units to be swapped out for modern fuel cells as the technology matures, using methanol or ethanol fuel.

The Emerald Duchess has a life span of around 40 years

Frans Calje, PD Ports' CEO, said: "Without dredging, all economic activity on the Tees would stop within weeks, if not days.

"It is a vital service to keep the beating heart of the region working effectively, sustaining around 22,000 jobs."

He added: "This vessel has a life span of around 40 years, so it was important to design in flexibility to adapt to the amazing progress that's being made in decarbonised fuels.

"I look forward to seeing the Emerald Duchess working out on the river, keeping it safe and accessible for many years to come."