9 Differences between a Foreign Built Dredger (FBD) and a Locally Built Dredger (LBD)

Happy new year to my esteemed readers, hope we all had a great 2018 with 2019 already surpassing our expectations,  but if it's not yet meeting your expectations,  worry not as the year is still young.  Just keep on grinding if you are on the right path and be more patient, the result will surely be positive and if you notice you are not on the right path, simply put yourself together, go back to the drawing board and re-strategize because I know that with the right strategy even as the second month of the year is winding down, you can still achieve your set goals for the year. 

To the topic of the day, I have lost count of how many emails and phone calls I have received concerning this particular question " locally and foreign built dredgers, which is better? "

To answer this question, I've to be as straightforward as I can be. A dredger is an equipment used for the excavation of underwater minerals, channelization, ( take definition from our first post). Basically it consists of three essential components which are; engines, pumps and pontoons. 

A lot of foreign countries build dredger but there are some exceptional brands which have been tested and trusted for their reputable quality, durability and efficiency over the years. So also it is with some locally built dredgers. 

Some of the major difference between the foreign and locally built dredgers are as follows :

Local Dredgers

1. Second hand or used engines and pumps are mostly used.

2. Due to the Second hand engines, the dredge is not as expensive as the foreign dredge. 

3. While the price of a locally built 12*12 and 14*14 ranges between $140,000 - $197,000 (~N50,000,000 - ~N70,000,000) and $225,000 - $310,000 (~N80,000,000 - ~N110,000,000) respectively. 

4. With proper maintenance it also lasts long but not as much as the foreign built. 

5. Low quality finishing. 

6. Welding not as good as it should be. 

7. Mostly comes with a second hand hydraulic pump. 

8. Lower cost of technical support and staff training.

9.Comes with less dredging accessories.

Foreign Dredgers

1. Brand new pump and engines are always used. 

2. Due to the brand new engines and pump used, the price is very high. 

3. The price of a foreign built 12*12 and 14*14 dredge ranges between $950,000 - $1,200,000 (N337,250,000 - N426,000,000) and $1,500,000 - $2,000,000 (N532,500,000 - N710,000,000) respectively. 

4. Longer life span with proper maintenance. 

5. Well coated with top notch finishing. 

6. Perfect welding. 

7. Comes with a brand new hydraulic pump and a better hydraulic system. 

8. High cost of technical support and staff training. 

9. Comes with more dredging accessories.

Now based on request of the client, new engines and pumps can be used on the locally built dredgers at a higher cost. When properly handled and operated, the locally built dredgers also perform optimally well with very good ROI. 

As a patriotic Nigerian, I  tend to favour the locally built dredger because the impact of the locally built dredger on the Nigerian dredging industry has been tremendous. 

A few of this impact include :

Employment : There has been a creation of employment opportunities for Nigerians who have interest in the dredging industry. This in turn has reduced the unemployment rate within the country.

Investment : With the emergence of this local dredge construction companies, there has been a high level of investment in the dredging industry as investors with lower budgets are now investing in the industry as a result of the lower cost of locally built dredgers. 

Are you confused on the best kind of dredger that will suit your budget, contact the dredge consultant  or call 08036341211