The 5,500 m³ trailing suction hopper dredger is a medium-size dredging vessel designed for coastal, port, and approach-channel works. It combines high dredging efficiency with good maneuverability, making it suitable for both capital and maintenance dredging in shallow to moderate water depths.The vessel is equipped with a single or twin trailing suction pipe system fitted with a draghead optimized for different soil conditions, from loose sand and silt to fine gravel. The dredging process is controlled from a central dredge control room using integrated monitoring and automation systems. Key parameters such as mixture concentration, suction depth, vacuum pressure, and pump load are continuously displayed to help the operator maintain an optimal dredging mode and ensure maximum production with minimal fuel consumption.The hopper capacity of approximately 5,500 cubic metres allows an efficient balance between load size and cycle time. This capacity is ideal for shorter sailing distances typically encountered in port and coastal projects, resulting in high overall production per day. The hopper is divided into several compartments with overflow arrangements and bottom doors. Overflow weirs are designed to improve load density, while overflow water is guided to reduce turbidity near the vessel. For material placement, the vessel can discharge through bottom doors for rapid and uniform seabed placement or use a bow or side discharge system for more precise placement. Some configurations allow direct pumping ashore via a shore connection and booster pumps for land reclamation and beach nourishment.Propulsion is usually provided by diesel engines driving fixed or controllable pitch propellers, supported by bow thrusters for enhanced maneuverability in restricted waters. The propulsion and dredge drive arrangement is designed for reliable operation and low fuel consumption at typical dredging and sailing speeds. The hull form is optimized to reduce resistance in both loaded and ballast conditions, while maintaining a shallow draught suitable for river mouths, estuaries, and port basins.Onboard systems include power generation, ballast and bilge systems, firefighting, and environmental protection features. Measures are taken to reduce noise and vibration, both for crew comfort and for compliance with relevant regulations. Emission-reduction technologies, such as modern fuel-efficient engines prepared for low-sulphur fuels and possible future alternative fuels, can be integrated depending on project and regulatory requirements.Accommodation is arranged for a typical dredging crew, including officers, engineers, dredge masters, and ratings. Living spaces usually comprise cabins, mess rooms, a galley, recreation areas, and offices for project administration and survey work. The bridge offers 360-degree visibility and is equipped with navigation, communication, and positioning systems, including GPS and often dynamic positioning or track control systems to maintain precise dredging tracks.Hydrographic survey equipment, such as multibeam or single-beam echo sounders and dredge monitoring software, is used to plan and control dredging operations and to document progress. Collected survey data supports accurate volume calculations and compliance reporting. Overall, a 5,500 m³ trailing suction hopper dredger is a versatile and efficient tool for modern dredging projects in coastal and port environments.