Launch Cygnus cutter suction dredger built by DE Klop BV
Sliedrecht, 5 February 2026 – On 5 February, the festive launch of Rotterdam 26 took place: the first Cygnus cutter suction dredger built by DE Klop BV and yard number DK001. This fully electric cutter dredger was constructed for the Dekker Group and marks a major step forward in the sustainability of the Dutch dredging sector.
The Cygnus was built on stock — developed and largely completed before a final client had been secured. At precisely the right moment, Dekker Group entered the picture while the vessel was already well advanced in construction. This perfect timing enabled both parties to combine speed with customisation, turning a visionary concept into an operational reality without delay.
The official christening was performed by Laura Wezenberg and Lisanne van den Broek. In the presence of employees, partners and stakeholders, Rotterdam 26 was formally named and began her future on the water.
Fully Emission-Free – Without Compromise
During the ceremony, André Kik addressed the audience on behalf of DE Klop. In his speech, he underlined the unique character of the Cygnus:
“Everyone talks about sustainability — we simply built it.”
The Cygnus is a fully emission-free cutter suction dredger operating exclusively on green shore power. No diesel, no HVO, no hydrogen and no battery containers on board — simply plug in and get to work.
The dredger has been designed for emission-free sand extraction and reconstruction works, particularly at sites where precision is decisive. Slopes, banks and bottom profiles can be shaped with accuracy and control — without heavy-handed methods.
As standard, the Cygnus can dredge to a depth of 18 metres. In the coming months, she will be gradually upgraded to reach a dredging depth of 50 metres, ready for broad deployment across Dekker Group projects.
Dutch Innovation, Dutch Collaboration
Rotterdam 26 was entirely designed and built in the Netherlands. The project was realised together with Dutch craftsmen, partners and suppliers.
That the Dekker Group — a frontrunner in emission-free dredging — has acquired this first Cygnus underlines the shared ambition to operate sustainably and future-focused.
Throughout the final phase of construction, DE Klop demonstrated a high degree of flexibility in responding to Dekker Group’s additional requirements and project-specific requests. Because the vessel was already largely completed, modifications had to be implemented efficiently and decisively. Close cooperation between both teams ensured that the Cygnus was fully aligned with Dekker Group’s operational needs — without compromising delivery time or quality.
Partner & Supplier Gathering – 6 February
On 6 February, DE Klop organised a special event to thank all suppliers, partners, clients and relations for their contribution to the project. The afternoon took place in the WOW pavilion at the grounds of the National Dredging Museum and centred around collaboration, knowledge sharing and pride.
Andrea Vollebregt, Director of the Dutch Association of Hydraulic Engineering Contractors, emphasised that collaboration can lead to outstanding results. Both DE Klop and Dekker Group are members of the association.
Presentations were subsequently given by Dekker Group (about the project in which Rotterdam 26 will be deployed), Verhoef (on the technology behind the fully electric dredger), and DE Klop (on the origins of the project and the philosophy behind the Cygnus concept).
Visitors were then invited to take a closer look at the first Cygnus, followed by an informal gathering.
The event marked not only the completion of the first phase of this project, but also a broader movement towards emission-free dredging and hydraulic engineering works in the Netherlands.
Building a Future-Ready Sector Together
With Rotterdam 26, DE Klop and Dekker Group demonstrate that emission-free operations, power, precision and quality go hand in hand.
The launch of DK001 is therefore not only a milestone for both family-owned companies, but also a strong signal to the sector: sustainable innovation is not a distant vision — it is already afloat today.
DE Klop will soon commence construction of the second Cygnus.
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