New DAMEN Yacht Support GAME CHANGER launched

Friday, 24th February 2017

Dutch shipbuilder DAMEN has launched GAME CHANGER, its latest 70-metre DAMEN Yacht Support vessel (227 ft) with helicopter hangar. Available in time for the 2017 summer season, GAME CHANGER is a fantastic showcase of the Yacht Support solution for owners who want to have more fun off the beaten track, but with a significantly lower Total Cost of Ownership.

GAME CHANGER is the fourth Yacht Support vessel in the 70-metre segment following the delivery of INTREPID, ‘6711’ and GARÇON. This latest launch also follows last year’s delivery and sale of the 55-metre showcase vessel FAST & FURIOUS (181 ft). With its Yacht Support range, DAMEN is now the established leader in this rapidly developing niche. In total 11 DAMEN Yacht Support vessels have been delivered or are in build.

"Our clients want to go to exciting new destinations with less established superyacht infrastructure and they want to have more fun with larger tenders, larger helicopters and submersibles," comments DAMEN Product Director Mark Vermeulen. "They also want to take more staff, guides, pilots and security personnel with them. GAME CHANGER is the massive leap forward in capability that they need, but at a much lower cost than a larger yacht. Plus, they get all the benefits of flexible operations and privacy. That’s why we call it the Smart Stretch."

GAME CHANGER features a fully certified helideck so owners can take larger helicopters on long range flights to their mother yachts and land safely in a wider weather window. Lowering the helicopter into the hangar protects it from the elements so it is refuelled and available for take-off without causing hassle, disruption and noise on the mother yacht.

In addition, GAME CHANGER has 250 square metres of open deck space for tenders and toys. The large deck crane makes logistics and handling simple, fast and safe. Below deck there is a further 110 square-metre storage space/dive centre. The YS 6911 has offices, facilities and accommodation for 22 crew and staff. It can carry a huge amount of extra provisions, fuel (marine, aviation and petrol), luggage and spare parts.

A Weight off your Mind

Wednesday, 15th February 2017

Dynamic Load Monitoring Ltd distributors for Dini Argeo Equipment

Dynamic Load Monitoring becomes the main and authorised distributor on the South Coast of England for Dini Argeo equipment. Dini Argeo specialise in the production of weighing systems, including a wide range of components, electronic solutions and software for industrial automation and systems integration both in the UK and to International clients.

Dini Argeo are a well-established weighing specialist with over 100 years’ experience in the area of weighing, batching and industrial automation. Dini Argeo offers the complete service, ranging from customised solutions and supply of weighing components, to the development of software for PC and communication networks. The family run business is based in Italy but has a strong international calling, with subsidiaries in Europe and Asia, alongside a distribution and customer service network in more than 70 countries around the world.

Dynamic Load Monitoring, who are based on the South Coast of England and are specialists in the design, manufacture, repair and calibration of load cells and load monitoring equipment, will now be offering existing and new customers a range of equipment to purchase from mobile weighing systems to scales for commercial and industrial use.

Managing Director, Martin Halford from Dynamic Load Monitoring commented ‘as part of our strategy we were looking to expand and explore different options and this is a fantastic opportunity. Dini Argeo products will complement our existing standard product range of load cells and load monitoring solutions and offer a one stop shop for all weighing needs to our customers.’

If you are interested in purchasing weighing equipment for your business please contact sales@dlm-uk.com

VOLT Service selects Damen’s new Utility Vessel 4312 for Norwegian aquaculture operations

Monday, 13th February 2017

In December 2016 Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with Norway-based VOLT Service AS for a Utility Vessel (UV) 4312 to be delivered in Q1 2018. The vessel, to be named VOLT Processor, will undertake delousing operations and other services at Norwegian salmon farms. Remøy Management AS has been involved in the development of the project and will perform the building supervision. Remøy Management will be the manager of the vessel when delivered.

The UV 4312 follows on from Damen’s smaller model – the UV 2410. The larger, 43 meters model reflects the value operators place on having an abundance of open protected deck space. The design has been optimised with extensive feedback from the aquaculture industry. The result is a ship that corresponds precisely to the latest techniques in salmon delousing.

Adoption of the latest delousing technology benefits the lice count and fish wellbeing while reducing or eliminating the need for chemicals in the treatment operations. The combination of the UV 4312 with the latest delousing techniques results in a highly mobile delousing vessel able to service more farms in a larger region and in more open waters.

Mr Even T. Remøy, CEO of Remøy Management said, "We turned to Damen as we have good experience with them. They were able to accommodate all the requirements we had for our vessel. Furthermore, they were able to offer us a very quick turnaround of the project so that we could get underway with our operations in the quickest possible timeframe."

Co-founder of VOLT Service, Mr Robert Søviknes, has vast and broad experience with cleaner fish services and delousing operations. He said, "With the new vessel we will have a unique platform and a tool to provide the industry with a cost efficient alternative due to increased mobility and a newly developed total concept package for the services offered. The solutions are focused on fish welfare".

The standard design of the UV 4312 included a diesel-electric configuration, providing an efficient, flexible power supply for the 750 kW propulsion installation and for driving the deck equipment when moored within a farm. Other features include a low freeboard, easy access to the waterline on both sides, a large hold and removable railings for hose-handling operations.

The UV 4312 is open to customisation as the VOLT Processor will demonstrate. Damen will tailor the vessel to the requirements of the client, which includes a third crane, DP1, an increased bow thruster power, an extra generator set and an ozone generator.

The low freeboard minimizes the height difference experienced by the fish during pumping and delousing, which ensures a reduction of stress. Accommodation is provided for up to ten persons in six cabins, plus galley and mess room.

The flexibility of the design means that the vessel can be further equipped in support of other aquaculture activities, such as installation and maintenance works.

Damen Sales Manager Remko Hottentot said, "The UV 4312 is a cost-efficient, ship-shaped and self-propelled floating work station for delousing operations. We did our homework. Compared to earlier vessels this new one offers increased flexibility and improved cost-efficiency. We wish VOLT Service and Remøy Management all the very best with their vessel."

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding delivers first SIGMA 10514 PKR frigate to Indonesian Ministry of Defence

Monday, 13th February 2017

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding has handed over the first SIGMA 10514 Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR) frigate to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, on schedule and on budget. The ceremony took place at the PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya where the vessel was assembled. The Indonesian Ministry of Defence awarded the contract to Damen as main contractor for the construction of the first SIGMA 10514 PKR in December 2012. On receiving the ship, named the Raden Eddy Martadinata after one of the founders of the Indonesian Navy, the Ministry handed it on to the Navy.

The 105-metre, 2365 tonne PKR frigates are designed to undertake a wide range of missions in and around the waters of Indonesia, an archipelago nation made up of over 18,000 islands. Their primary mission is anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. However, they are also equipped for maritime security, search and rescue, and humanitarian support tasks.

The Raden Eddy Martadinata was built using a collaborative modular process operating simultaneously at Damen Schelde Naval Shipyard (DSNS) in the Netherlands and PT PAL shipyard. The vessel is made up of six modules, and for the Raden Eddy Martadinata four of these were built at PT PAL while the other two modules – the power plant and the bridge & command centre – were built and fully tested at DSNS before being shipped for final assembly at PT PAL.

This process brings many other benefits, including allowing Damen to build top quality vessels anywhere in the world. It also is the best way for Damen to fulfil its contractual obligation to Indonesia’s defence ministry to deliver an exceptionally extensive knowledge and technology transfer programme. This has the explicit aim of establishing a centre of naval shipbuilding expertise at the PT PAL shipyard. By collaborating closely on the first two vessels the transfer of skills and upgrading of the yard is taking place smoothly and with a strong spirit of cooperation.

Construction of the second frigate using the same procedure is now well advanced with sea trials due May 2017, and delivery October 2017.

Maersk Connector wins OSJ Award

Monday, 13th February 2017

Vessel’s success the result of close collaboration between builder, owner and charterer

On 8th February at the Offshore Support Journal Annual Awards in London, the Maersk Connector received the Offshore Support Ship 2017 Award. The Maersk Supply Service owned vessel is the second of Damen Shipyards Group’s Offshore Carrier 8500 series and was awarded for setting an industry benchmark through its innovative design and efficiency in operation.

The Maersk Connector was built at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania and delivered to Maersk Supply Service in 2016. Since then, she has been on long term charter with UK-based DeepOcean working on a number of projects. The design of the vessel, and her subsequent success, is the result of a close collaboration between the three parties.

Carsten Gram Haagensen, Chief Commercial Officer of Maersk Supply Service: "Maersk Connector is a result of a highly productive cooperation. Throughout this project, Maersk Supply Service has been deeply committed to close dialogue and collaboration to maximize the project outcome for all parties. It is very rewarding for us as a vessel owner to have Maersk Connector as part of our 40-plus strong fleet and offer her exclusive capabilities to DeepOcean."

Sam Taylor, DeepOcean’s Technical Sales Manager, who played a significant role in the development and building of the vessel said: "Damen, Maersk Supply Service and DeepOcean’s combined experience of vessel design, construction and subsea operations has resulted in the delivery of a very fine installation vessel. We are pleased that we will now get to put her through her paces on a number of the important offshore windfarm and subsea interconnector projects that DeepOcean have secured."

Maersk Connector is able to deliver all the functionality of a DP2 vessel without having to sacrifice shallow water workability. Equipped with a 7-point mooring system the vessel can manouevre on a comprehensive anchor spread allowing close approach for shore end installations. She is, moreover, certified to ground out fully loaded in suitable ground conditions for beach operations. This function brings significant savings, eliminating the cost of a separate, shallow water vessel as well as reducing the number of required joints.

The vessel also features an innovative, unique dual basket 7,000 tonne carousel system which can handle HVAC, umbilicals and bundled HVDC power cables, capable of laying two cables simultaneously.

Furthermore, the DOC design’s sleek bow and slender hull enables the vessel to sustain speed and course in head seas with considerably reduced fuel consumption. This characteristic also offers reduced slamming for increased safety and comfort on board.

Damen Sales Manager Remko Bouma: "The Maersk Connector is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration. Not only was the vessel delivered on-time and on-budget, meeting all expectations, she also provides a relevant answer to many of the challenges facing the offshore markets currently. In operation she offers a safer, more efficient and cost-effective solution that bridges the offshore renewables and oil and gas industries."

DLM Ship 500 tonne Shackle Load Cell

Friday, 10th February 2017

DLM design and manufacture a new 500 tonne Telemetry Shackle Load Cell for their key distributor in Denmark, NOS A/S.

The Telemetry Shackle Load Cell was manufactured from high strength marine grade steel and has the ability to transmit to multiple TW-2.0-T handheld displays, allowing load to be read by several operators in different locations. NOS A/S will be using the load cell for the load testing of deep water installation cranes in combination with large water bags.

Claus Jenson, Managing Director of NOS A/S says, ‘We came straight to DLM for this requirement as we know shackle load cells are one of their standard products and they would be able to provide us with a good customer service, quick lead time and a good quality product.’

The DLM Telemetry Shackle Load Cell is widely used within the industry for various testing and certifying applications. It is crucial for assets like cranes to be regularly tested and certified no matter their size and in combination with test weights the Telemetry Shackle Load Cell provides a key element to ensuring industry safety standards are maintained.

Martin Halford, Managing Director of DLM comments, ‘We are really proud to be able to support NOS A/S by providing one of the largest Shackle Load Cells we have manufactured in recent years, our Shackle Load Cells are frequently used for tests of this nature, utilising water bags to apply the load and then our load cell to certify the test back to a traceable national standard, something which NOS A/S regularly do for their valued clients’

The DLM Telemetry Shackle Load Cell is widely used within the industry for various testing and certifying applications. It is crucial for assets like cranes to be regularly tested and certified no matter their size and in combination with test weights the Telemetry Shackle Load Cell provides a key element to ensuring industry safety standards are maintained.

Southampton Marine Services launches new Aquaculture Service Vessel for Leco Marine

Friday, 10th February 2017

Southampton Marine Services has launched its latest vessel at its Ocean Quay shipyard in Southampton.

The 23 metre Alyssa is an aquaculture service vessel built for Scottish commercial diving and marine services company Leco Marine. Designed by Argyll Maritime Design Services the Alyssa will perform general fish farm work and is equipped with a net-cleaning and inspection system for the maintenance of fish-farm nets.

Leco Marine’s largest vessel, the Alyssa is an ideal workboat platform with a spacious aft deck, high stability and excellent visibility of operations from the wheelhouse. The large deck cargo capacity and deck crane ensures that lifting and transportation of diving gear and net cleaning equipment is completed with ease. This capacity allows the company to diversify into other fish farm duties should the need arise.

Twin marine diesel Doosan V158TIH engines drive twin 4-bladed fixed pitch propellers via reverse reduction gear boxes. Each engine is fitted with dual station ZF electronic controls from wheelhouse and starboard forward side deck.

The vessel has also been designed to comfortably accommodate three crew overnight with single berth cabins and ample mess facilities. "The completion of Alyssa marks a proud day for Southampton Marine Services," says managing director Chris Norman.

"This 23 metre aquaculture workboat is proof that we are the leading force in quality workmanship. We take great pride in delivering competitively priced vessels on time and to the owner’s bespoke specification," he says.

Speaking of the new vessel, Leco Marine managing director David Skea says, "This vessel design was chosen as I felt it was the most multi-role I had come across and was just the type of vessel we were looking for.

"The twin engine design and bow thruster makes her extremely manoeuvrable in and around fish farm cages whilst her shallow draft design will ensure the risk of catching on moorings or fish farm grids is minimised," he says.

Southampton Marine Services was selected builder following a competitive tender process. "We have developed a close relationship with SMS through the build and are extremely satisfied with the service provided, says David Skea.

Chris Norman says, "We work closely with our vessel owners to develop and nurture a strong relationship and we very much look forward to seeing Leco Marine succeed with this new addition to their fleet," he says.

"Our ever expanding family here at Southampton Marine Services looks forward to building, maintaining and converting more vessels this year. The expansion that we have seen on the back of signing contracts such as Leco Marine’s new build means that we now have a 200-person strong workforce and are able to assist in ensuring that UK shipbuilding skills are kept alive," says Chris Norman.

The vessel is named after David Skea’s 3-year-old daughter Alyssa who will have the honour of christening her namesake at a ceremony on the Isle of Skye shortly after delivery.

Principal Particulars
Builder: Southampton Marine Services, Ocean Quay, Southampton, United Kingdom
Design: Argyll Maritime Design Services
Length: 23.0 metres OA
Breadth: 8.0 metres moulded
Draught: 2.3 metres
Propulsion: 2 x Doosan V158TIH

Specialist Man Overboard & Fast Craft Injury Prevention Workshops Southampton – 25 & 26 April 2017

Monday, 6th February 2017

A unique programme of two one day events for the sub IMO / sub 24 metre professional sector is being held ‘back to back’ in Southampton UK on 25 & 26 April 2017. The fast moving workshop style programme brings together an international group of experts armed with the latest knowledge to identify problems that affect the maritime sector worldwide – and highlight potential solutions!

Event organiser and Workshop Lead John Haynes said, ‘We are pleased to invite ALL marine sectors to participate in these two specialist Workshops. We have listened to feedback from high level attendees at recent events and there are clearly two areas that will benefit from in depth attention.’

Day One focuses on Man Overboard Prevention & Recovery. Topics include location of a casualty in the water, solutions range from crew keeping a traditional lookout to the latest electronic devices. Besides the challenge of working in rough conditions lifting the casualty can be hampered by injuries, clothing and vessel design. John Haynes said, ‘We fully appreciate that the whole subject of MOB prevention, location, recovery and treatment can only be touched upon in a one day seminar. Our objective is to bring together people with genuine experience to share knowledge and endeavour to improve best practice across all maritime sectors.’

Subject matter experts presenting include Captain Andrew Moll – Deputy Chief Inspector of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Captain Don Cockrill, Secretary General of the UK Maritime Pilots Association. Every pilot’s nightmare is to fall off the ladder whilst boarding. Although such incidents are fortunately very rare, when it does happen there are lessons to be learned by everyone involved – including the casualty in the water. In February 2011 Captain Jon Stafford fell from a pilot ladder 6 miles off Margate while boarding a cargo ship at night in the North Sea. He recounts lessons learned from this incident to help others.

Day Two focuses on RS & WBV – Repetitive Shock & Whole Body Vibration on planing craft. Sessions look at how high speed craft requirements and expectations are changing. Professional operators can learn techniques to improve efficiency and safety for everyone onboard. John Haynes said, ‘Having trained over 100 organisations we know that a high incidence of injuries to crew and passengers can affect the overall performance of an organisation. There is no ‘one off’ solution to the demands of fast boats at sea. This seminar looks beyond suspension seats and highlights why an effective shock mitigation strategy is essential.’ He added, ‘Recent activity has been driven by a need to comply with Vibration Directives, which will still apply with or without Brexit.

Both Workshop days are relevant to Workboats, Pilot Boats, Patrol Boats, Search & Rescue, Survey Vessels, Wind Farm Support, Superyacht Tenders, Training and Charter Vessels.

The Workshops are being held at the Grand Harbour Hotel overlooking the historic port of Southampton. Supporters of the event include British Marine, Shipbuilders & Shiprepairers Association, UK Maritime Pilots Association, Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute, University of Southampton.

Damen takes position in the Caribbean

Friday, 3rd February 2017

Following the agreement made between the Government of Curaçao and Damen Shipyards Group in September last year, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) has taken over the management of the Curaçao Droogdok Maatschappij (CDM) as of February 1st, 2017. The location will continue its activities under the name of Damen Shiprepair Curaçao (DSCu).

With this step Damen expands its ship repair activities across the Trans-Atlantic Ocean. The yard is strategically located on the route to the Panama Canal, outside the Hurricane Belt and offers excellent working conditions within a natural bay. As Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, smooth logistic connections and fast import of required materials are guaranteed.

The yard features two graven docks; one sized 280 x 48 metres and the other 193 x 26 metres and almost 2 kilometres of quay side. In the coming years Damen will invest approximately 40 million USD in a third floating dock and the yard’s infrastructure and equipment. A new management team, led by Jaap de Lange as Managing Director, has been appointed and is already on site to introduce and implement Damen working methods and standards.

Furthermore Damen, together with the Curaçao Government, will invest in training and schooling of local technical personnel, ensuring the development of local skills, further developing the local industry and encouraging employment opportunities in the area.

The commencement of Damen Shiprepair Curaçao was celebrated on February 2nd at the yard in the presence of all staff as well as parties involved during the negotiation period.

Durk-Jan Nederlof, Group Director Damen Shiprepair & Conversion said, “The cooperation between Damen, the Curaçao Government, local trade unions and the personnel of the yard has been very pleasant during the period of negotiations and transfer of ownership. We are very much looking forward to continuing this collaboration in the future. It is excellent to see the enthusiasm of all parties to make this yard such a success”.

Damen Shiprepair Curaçao is part of the Damen Shiprepair & Conversion group, which currently operates 42 dry docks in 16 shipyards worldwide. More details on Damen Shiprepair Curaçao can be found on www.damenshiprepair.com/curacao.

Landau UK Wins Prestigious Motor Boat Outstanding Service Award 2017

Friday, 3rd February 2017

The prestigious annual Motor Boat Awards were celebrated on Monday 9th January at a gala dinner hosted by Motor Boat & Yachting magazine and sponsor Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurance.

An audience of over 250 international guests saw the 2017 Motor Boat Awards presented to winning boats in eight categories ranging from Sportsboats and RIBs to 100 foot plus Custom Yachts, plus additional awards for Outstanding Service and the judges Special Award.

We are delighted to announce that this years ‘Outstanding Service Award’, sponsored by Lombard, was won by Landau UK. As one of the most sought-after awards this category is based on direct feedback from Motor Boat & Yachting readers who said the company stood out for its concern for customer needs and its technical knowledge which helped customers enjoy their boating experience to the full. One customer said, "Their level of customer service and quality of work is consistently high and is the reason why they remain my go-to company for repairs and ongoing modifications to my motor yacht. I would have no hesitation in recommending their services to any owner wishing to enjoy peace of mind".
Landau were one of the shortlisted finalists alongside:

• Bates Wharf Marine Sales
• Boats.co.uk
• Boatshop Menorca
• Clipper Marine
• Network Yacht Brokers
• tbs Hook – Penton Boats

Ben Metcalfe, Managing Director at Landau UK commented "We are incredibly pleased to have won such a prestigious award and would like to thank our customers for their nominations. This award cements the importance that service is king and at the heart of everything we do here at Landau UK."

Month: February 2017

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