This mega hopper with a hopper capacity of 46,000 m3 is by far the largest of its type, being almost 40% larger than the 33,000 m3 Vasco da Gama, the present record holder.
The vessel is equipped with two suction pipes, with a diameter of 1,300 mm, and equipped with electrically driven underwater pumps, with a power of 6,500 kW each, enabling dredging down to water depths of 155 m.
Discharging is possible by means of two electrically driven shore discharging dredge pumps, with each 8,000 kW power.
Fully loaded, carrying up to 78,000 tons of sand, the ‘Cristóbal Colón’ will sail at a speed of 18 knots.
All this results in a very performant vessel, offering an economic solution for the execution of major dredging and land reclamation jobs.

The godmother of the vessel, Mrs. J.F.J. De Nul-De Ryck, mother of Mr. Jan Pieter De Nul and Mr. Dirk De Nul, actual Directors of the company Jan De Nul Group, and widow of Mr. J.F.J. De Nul, the founder of this company, cut the ribbon holding the traditional Champaign bottle, wishing the vessel and its crew a safe and prosperous journey.
The bottle crashed, and accompanied by the sound of the horns of nearby vessels in the harbour, the ‘Cristóbal Colón’ slid into the water.

Now the 'Cristóbal Colón' is launched, the construction of its twin vessel, the 'Leiv Eiriksson', can start.
Delivery of this vessel is foreseen in 2009.

Technical specifications:
Total installed power:	41.500	kW
Hopper capacity:	46.000	m3
Deadweight:	78.000	ton
Length overall:	223,0	m
Breadth:	41,0	m
Draught loaded:	15,15	m
Maximum dredging depth:	155,0	m
Suction pipe diameter:	2 x 1.300	mm
Pump power (trailing):	2 x 6.500	kW
Pump power (discharging):	16.000	kW
Propulsion power:	2 x 19.200	kW
Total installed diesel power:	41.500	kW
Speed:	18,0	kn
Accommodation:	46	persons

Source: Jan De Nul, July 2008