Damen’s first Renewables Service Vessel 3315 launched

Thursday, 25th May 2017

Delta Marine’s Voe Vanguard sails straight into first project

Damen has launched the Renewables Service Vessel (RSV) 3315, a new type, which has been developed in close cooperation with Scottish company Delta Marine.

The first in the new series was officially christened Voe Vanguard at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld by Miss Akira Mary Lumsden, the granddaughter of Bob Spanswick, Managing Director of Delta Marine Ltd. Just a week later Voe Vanguard was off to her first offshore wind farm, the Walney Extension project.

Delta Marine took delivery of its first Damen vessel 12 years ago and the Shetland-based company now has four Damen Multicat vessels in its fleet, as well as one it manages.

David McNaugthan, Delta Marine General Manager, says the decision to invest in a vessel specifically tailored for renewables was taken around four years ago. "We knew at Damen we get a good project and good quality backup."

The Damen RSV 3315 is based on the highly successful Multicat design. The vessel can undertake all duties normally expected of a Multicat but has the addition of a spacious, unobstructed deck, DP2 and dedicated 4-point mooring. The 33 metre vessel has a 42-tonne bollard pull. "We were particularly interested in having a DP2 capability. This vessel is suitable for offshore wind but also for tidal projects, where she can stay in position using her DP in some pretty strong currents."

Delta Marine and Damen adapted the traditional Multicat design by moving the wheelhouse forward and leaving the aft deck open. Additionally, it was important to make sure the vessel was under the 500-tonne mark to keep the costs down.

"The vessel is diesel electric, and has four azimuths, with a large stern thruster. She is also very flexible, with a shallow draught of only 2.6 m. The two aft azimuths can swing up into the hull and we can easily switch from DP1 to DP2 mode," Mr McNaugthan points out.

In addition, Voe Vanguard has two powerful cranes, one of which has a capacity of 15 tonnes with an outreach of 20 metres. "With these we can carry and lift an awful lot for a wide variety of tasks." She also has comfortable accommodation for up to 18 crew.

Mr McNaugthan outlines the potential of the Damen RSV 3315. "The DP2 system is very important for our clients, every single job is crying out for DP2. We are confident this new type will establish itself in the market."

Voe Vanguard went off to work straight away for the Walney wind farm extension and then she will be exhibited at the Seawork in Southampton. After that it is straight back up the coast for another project. "We already have work into August and beyond!"

Jos van Woerkum, Managing Director of Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld comments: "We have been working on this vessel together since 2013. Delta Marine gave us a sketch and outlined their requirements and I think Damen has built exactly what they wanted. I always say we can do a lot if we do it together!

"I think the Renewables Service Vessel 3315 has the potential to be the next success for Damen once she proves herself in the market."

Albwardy Damen wins two ship repair awards in 4 weeks

Thursday, 25th May 2017

Best UAE Shipyard 2017 and Best New Building Yard

Albwardy Damen is very proud to have received two shipyards awards in the space of just 4 weeks. On the 19th of April, during the MASTECH conference in Dubai, Albwardy Damen received the prestigious Best UAE Shipyard Award for 2017. Then on the 16th of May it received the accolade of Best New Building Yard at the presentation ceremony for the International Maritime Awards. This was held at the two-day Shiptek 2017 conference in Dubai. The trophies were accepted on each occasion by Albwardy Damen managing director Lars Seistrup.

“To receive two awards within such a short space of time is the ultimate in customer satisfaction feedback as well as recognition for the hard work that all our staff are putting in every day,” said Mr Seistrup. “Delivering safety and quality at the right price to our customers is very important to us in these very challenging market conditions. We are very pleased to receive these awards as they show that our suppliers and clients value the quality of the vessels that we build and the services that we provide. I would like to congratulate everyone in our company for their hard work and enthusiasm.”

Albwardy Damen is a joint venture between the Damen Shipyards Group and UAE-based Albwardy Investment, bringing Damen quality and technology to the UAE. The group operates from four locations across the UAE and has the facilities to repair and construct all type of vessels. Recently deliveries have included tugs, workboats, support vessels, dredgers, landing craft, floating docks, barges and pontoons to operators in and around the Arabian Gulf. The main yard, located in the Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah, was officially opened in January 2014 and continues to meet the highest standards of modern ship construction and repair. Among its many facilities it features a new covered build hall, a 5,200 tonne ship lift and eight dry berths, each 125 metres in length.

This year, to further strengthen its position as a high-quality provider of ship repair services, Albwardy Damen is constructing a new office and workshop facility in Dubai Maritime City. This expansion will enable Albwardy Damen to offer its full portfolio of ship repair activities to customers in Dubai Maritime City and will seamlessly integrate with the existing business units in Al Jadaf, Sharjah and Fujairah.

Wind Farm Operator Sets Up New Support Programme For Local Fishermen

Thursday, 25th May 2017

Life Cell Marine Safety has been included in a new initiative aiming to support local fishermen operating from coastal locations between Hartlepool and Saltburn by the Sea, who have traditionally used the fishing grounds in and around the windfarm.

The new programme, developed by EDF Energy Renewables, aims provide essential safety equipment for personnel and vessels in line with Marine and Coastguard Agency for fishing vessel operators. The scheme will provide Life Cell models to local fishermen, ensuring they have essential safety equipment in a readily accessible location in the event of an emergency. The Life Cell is used as a flotation device, which can float free or be easily removed from a vessel. The bonus is that it can also be safely and easily removed after each day’s fishing to reduce the possibility of theft of essential safety equipment.

James Wilson, local fishing liaison officer with EDF Energy Renewables, said: "Our aim has always been to ensure that the wind farm can co-exist safely and effectively with local fishing activities. "We have maintained close contact with the local fishermen at all stages of the project and we are delighted to be able to provide support for this very important local activity and community. "The dedicated new fishing support programme will provide targeted assistance for specific fishing activity needs and will hopefully provide a positive contribution to the activities of local fishing groups and individual operators."

The new programme will be managed by Tees Valley Community Foundation (TVCF) in association with Coastwatch Redcar. Trevor Smith, chairman of Coastwatch Redcar, said: "We are delighted to participate in this initiative. Ensuring that local fishing boat operators are equipped with vital safety equipment is a natural extension to our role in supporting HM Coastguard with local surveillance activities and helping those in trouble at sea.

"The new equipment being provided could make a real difference to the safety of small fishing boat operators and their crews who find themselves in difficulty and we would encourage all local fishermen to take up this generous offer from EDF Energy Renewables."

Local fishermen can find out more details on the new programme, including accessing Life Cell for their fishing vessel at the 2017 Sea Work Show on the 13th – 15th June. To learn more about the Life Cell, please visit the Pinpoint booth at stand PB99.

Safety partnership builds on its success

Thursday, 25th May 2017

International safety expert, Salvare, has secured a number of orders for its Seapod and Mini-Pod lifesaving systems through its UK sales agent, SeaSafe, over the last year.

The latest contract for five units went to a UK west coast fleet operator, which wants to kit out all of its vessels to help ensure its crews stay safe at sea.

Jeremy Dale, managing director, SeaSafe, said: “Since we took on the distribution of Salvare’s Seapod and Mini-pod, units have been sold worldwide from everywhere in between America to Germany. We have supplied a good mix of products to both fleet operators and to private individuals.”

“What’s so great about these systems is that they’re equally as applicable for large commercial vessels as they are for small pleasure craft.”
He added that the systems’ popularity speaks for itself.

“In MOB scenarios, the survival rate increases exponentially as the casualty is kept out of the water and this is what Seapod has been built to do.”

Salvare’s Seapod system is a lightweight, easily deployed, fully interlocking inflatable life-saving platform based on the Carley Liferaft concept. It aims to make reliance on lifejackets a thing of the past.

Weighing just 4kg and packed in a water activated case, it offers good protection from the onset of hypothermia, increasing the chances of survival. Because of its compactness, it can be stowed on large ships, coastal vessels, small boats, helicopters and aircraft alike.

Its smaller cousin, the Mini-Pod, is proving to be just as popular across even more markets.

Like the Seapod, the aim of the Mini-Pod is to provide a place of refuge and buy hours rather than minutes for survivors waiting to be rescued from the sea.
Although it doesn’t take the place of a life raft or life jacket, the device solves the age-old problems of quick deployment, visibility and staying safely out of the water to avoid hypothermia.

SeaSafe will be back at Seawork International this year showcasing the Seapod and Mini-pod among its impressive portfolio of other innovative life safety and survival products and devices.

Visit SeaSafe Systems on stand number PG159 at Seawork International 2017.

Damen to build new beam trawler

Friday, 12th May 2017

Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam (Maaskant) is to build a new beam trawler for the Netherlands fishing fleet. The client is the Hakvoort Brothers from Urk, the Netherlands. The vessel, which will use a stock hull, will join another fishing boat operated by Hakvoort Brothers. This was also built by Damen Maaskant yard, 17 years ago. Based on a well proven design, the new trawler will be 41.05 metres in length and have a beam of 9 metres. As yet unnamed, her registration number will be UK-46.

Beam trawlers use outrigger booms to tow two trawls, one on each side. In the North Sea they are commonly used to catch shrimp and flatfish. The last such fishing boat to join the Dutch fishing fleet was the Catharina KW-145, launched in 2006. Prior to that, Maaskant delivered two others; the Cornelia BR-14 in 2004 and the Jan Cornelis GO-22 in 2006. Both these were also built to the Damen Maaskant design.

The specification will include a type 12 DZC main engine from ABC, delivering 1999 hp at 700 rpm to a Reintjes gearbox, type WAF 3455, and a nozzle propeller with a diameter of 3,600 mm. The winch will be a Maaskant winch, type M 220 EP4 160 EP6.

Completion is scheduled for February 2018, and the new vessel will be an integral part of the growth of the company as the next generation of Hakvoorts join the business.

Frits van Dongen, Managing Director at Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam, commented, “It gives us great pleasure to be building another beam trawler for a long-standing customer. We are confident that the new vessel will give many years of efficient and effective service.”

Bigger is better for DuroWipers

Friday, 12th May 2017

DuroWipers will be back at Seawork this year with an even bigger demo model following securing even greater interest for its products since the show moved to its larger venue at Mayflower Park.

Noel Gould, owner, DuroWipers, said: "On the back of the increased amount of contracts we received last year we decided to go for an even larger presence at Seawork this year."

"Exhibiting at Seawork over the years has gained us the sort of exposure and branding that attracts clients such as the RNLI who carry out such rigorous testing on all their onboard equipment. It is a testament to our products design and durability."

DuroWipers has recently finished the replacement and refurbishment of all the bridge windscreen wipers on yet another DFDS ferry, the Dover Seaway.
The wiper expert has a long standing relationship with the ferry operator based on product reliability.

Previously, it secured one of its largest orders to date to fit three DFDS cross Channel ferries with 45 maintenance free external DuroWipers Pantographs. Returning recently to complete the starboard wiper systems to the Dunkerque, Dover and Delft.

The units are suited for the ships because they can withstand the marine environment and continual usage. Also, any maintenance or replacements are easy to perform due to the pod design. They also come with a three-year warranty.

DuroWipers systems have a strong reputation for robustness and quality. They are the only fully enclosed system on the market which fall in line with European Safety Standards, protecting users from serious injury.

AISI 316 Stainless Steel is used extensively in the manufacturing process because of its strength and anti-corrosive qualities.

With quality as a priority, DuroWipers incorporate four G Seals and two external seals to combat water ingress, up to ten Oilite Bearings, one sealed ball bearings and two needle bearings to reduce friction and increase longevity and maintenance free performance.

All DuroWiper systems have unique patented twin drive shafts and rotary mechanism which transfers the rotary power from the motor to the twin drive shafts equally, creating a reciprocating movement which gives a smooth, powerful and quiet stoke.

Last year, DuroWipers drew the crowds at Seawork with a full-size demonstration model of the window wipers specified on the RNLI Shannon class Lifeboats.
It offers extended and lifetime warranties to both the RNLI and the Royal Navy.
For the Royal Navy, DuroWipers has retrofitted three RFA Vessels over the past five years – the Fort Rosalie, the Fort Austin and the Diligence.

DuroWipers designs, develops and manufactures all of its wipers at its factory in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, UK.

It also offers an installation service for customers who prefer the original equipment manufacturers to fit and commission their equipment. For retro-fit or replacement, removal of the old equipment can also be undertaken as part of the contract.

Visit DuroWipers at Seawork International on stand PY115.

Saqr Port UAE signs contract for Damen ASD 2913 Tug

Tuesday, 9th May 2017

Saqr Port, part of Rash Al Khaimah (RAK) Ports, has signed a contract with the Damen Shipyards Group for the delivery of an ASD 2913 tug. The vessel will be built a short distance away at Albwardy Damen in Sharjah and will be delivered in time for the opening of the new bulk terminal at Saqr Port in mid-2018.

Saqr Port is the major bulk-handing port in the Middle East and a vital part of the regional economy. Located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, it serves the fast-growing quarry industry in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Each year 55 million tonnes of bulk materials are exported through the port to countries around the Arabian Gulf, and RAK Ports are currently adding new deepwater berths capable of handling capesize vessels.

Damen’s regional sales team worked closely with Saqr Port to determine the class of tug that would be most suitable for its requirements. The need was for a vessel that is both compact and powerful, so as to be able to handle the large carriers at the new terminal and work within the confines of the harbour. At the same time, the proximity of the Hajar Mountains means that the port can experience sudden and very strong winds. The ASD 2913 was ultimately selected due to its having all the necessary attributes, including 80 tonnes of bollard pull within a 29-metre hull, plus high freeboard and a raised quarterdeck for safe operations in rough seas.

The contract was signed at the beginning of April by Capt. Cliff Brand, Group General Manager, and Mr. Kommer Damen, in recognition of RAK Ports’ valued status as a long-standing customer of the Damen Shipyards Group. The RAK Ports fleet already includes an ASD 2411 and a 2310, as well as five Damen Stan Tugs.

“We are delighted to be building for the UAE, in the UAE,” says Pascal Slingerland, Sales Manager Middle East for Damen. “Albwardy Damen continues to go from strength-to-strength, providing a comprehensive newbuild and repair service to the UAE and the wider Arabian Gulf, and it is our pleasure to be working with our near-neighbours at Saqr Port.”

Alongside this latest order Albwardy Damen, until recently known as Damen Shipyards Sharjah, is also currently building three large rotor tugs and a self-propelled jack-up barge, as well as some smaller ASD tugs and cutter suction dredgers.

Captain Michael Magee, Harbour Master at RAK Ports commented that “the port is delighted to have agreed a deal with Damen to build the 2913 locally. Damen’s proven quality product and their flexibility, with respect to build location, secured them the contract. The 2913 with 80 tonnes bollard pull will complement the seven tugs currently at Saqr Port, and give additional power to receive Capesize vessels.”

Global Insulation (European) Ltd is a modern

Tuesday, 9th May 2017

Who are we? Global Insulation (European) Ltd is a modern, innovative insulation company which specialises in the Marine and Petro-Chemical industries. The company has been established for over twenty years within this sector and is based in a prime location in the South of England, neighbouring the maritime City of Portsmouth. The Company Director, Lindsay Gowers, has over 36 year’s experience within the Passive Fire and Insulation Industries.

Global Insulation can offer it’s services to include full written specifications in accordance with DNV, Lloyds, BV and RINA approved Passive Fire systems to A60 and A30 to Steel, Aluminium and Composite constructions. The specifications we provide incorporate a variety of materials, to include Mineral Fibre, Ceramic Blankets, and Microporous, which are all fully certified. We also specialise in High Temperature Work with exhaust systems, where we will write various specifications for certification approvals.

During our growth our client bank has grown steadily and our current portfolio includes, Wightlink, Blyth Workcats, CTruk, P&O, Kline LNG (UK) Ltd, Turbine Transfer, Burgess Marine, and Hill Robinson Group, to mention but a few.

Over the past decade our company has become well established within the off-shore turbine industry. With our expertise in the marine industry we have been approached by a large variety of shipyards with both aluminium and steel/composite construction, completing various vessels from the writing of specifications for Thermal, Acoustic and Passive Fire, through to the supply and installation of the same. During the course of 2015 and 2016 we have completed a four vessel project for Aluminium Marine Consultants on the Isle of Wight. Our ability to provide excellent logistics has enabled us to complete works in Denmark, Norway, Croatia, Spain, Italy, and Palma all within the past year.

We have also established ourselves within the Super Yacht Sector where we write the specifications for Passive Fire, Thermal and Acoustic insulation. We also write the specifications for all Pipework installations in respect of Chilled Water, Domestic Services and others.

Some of our Super Yacht projects include Moon Maiden II, Lady K, MY Babylon and MY Nobbler, SY Endeavour, Lady A, Tacanuya, MY Antelope III, to name but a few.
One of our most challenging contracts was meeting one of Kline LNG (UK) Ltd’s vessels, the Arctic Discoverer, whilst she was at anchor in the Arctic Circle to carry out an insulation programme to the Main Bridge Deck and various other parts of the vessel.

Global Insulation has a very good working relationship with all its manufacturers, where we strive to achieve in producing insulation materials, especially passive fire, where we can reduce weight factors and installation costs therefore meeting the demand in the marine industry for fuel cost savings.

We are able to offer both the supply and the install of all insulation requirements, to include all ancillaries. We can arrange to have delivery to any worldwide location.

Ferry generator failure prompts fleet inspection and repair

Friday, 5th May 2017

In order to keep the ferry operational when a generator fails a team of engineers must go on board to make an assessment of the damage. Sulzer was called on board by a customer where the shaft generator had failed.

Marine design standards ensure that even in the event of a catastrophic failure, back-up systems are in place to keep a vessel operational.

Some of the most important assets on a marine vessel are the generators, providing power for onboard services, including propulsion in some cases. With such a vital role, it is essential that stand-by assets are included in the design so that, in the event of a failure, normal operation can continue while the cause is investigated and repaired.

Ferries have a set timetable and any deviation from it can cause significant inconvenience to passengers and freight alike. It is therefore necessary to complete most repair work while the vessel continues to operate.

The challenge
An accurate assessment via a thorough inspection of the damage was required, however, due to the restrictive access, specialist lifting services were called upon to remove the rotor for dismantling. On dismantle the following challenges were uncovered:

Damage to the windings
Bolt failure which caused extensive damage to the core laminations
Disintegration of aluminum clamps on poles
Damaged white metal bearings

The solution
As the damage uncovered was more severe than first thought extreme action to complete the repair was required, including:

A complicated but full removal of the 10-tonne generator to the local Sulzer service facilities – within a 17-hour window whilst the ferry was in port
A full set of coils manufactured at Sulzer’s in-house coil manufacturing shop
Complete rotor overhaul, with new clamps and bolts
Removal of damaged laminations
and installation of a new stator core
Sourcing of upgraded retaining bolts
Full generator repairs

The benefits to your operations
Root cause analysis determined that the rotor clamp bolts had fatigued. Recommendations to inspect the entire fleet have been made to safe-guard the customer and to minimize the risk of a similar failure.
Working with Sulzer makes a difference:

On-board teams
Reliable and expert services
Upgraded component sourcing
In-house coil manufacturing
Lloyds and Bureau Veritas registered

Find you best service solution on Sulzer’s website

Damen Shipyards showcases new Water Bus

Wednesday, 3rd May 2017

At a recent event at its headquarters in Gorinchem, Damen Shipyards demonstrated its next generation composite Water Bus, the 2407, to an invited international audience. Built from FRP (fibre reinforced polymer) the new class will give operators reduced fuel consumption, less maintenance, no corrosion or fatigue problems, and a durable structure. Passengers will enjoy journeys at speeds of up to 21 knots that are safe, quiet and with minimal vibration. The Water Bus design is available in versions from 16-24 metres, capable of carrying from 20 to 120 passengers.

Designed as a slender catamaran, the Water Bus series is ideal for regular, intensive commuting operations on busy waterways. Its high manoeuvrability via a simple joystick control brings added safety on congested waterways and the twin hulls produce extremely low volumes of wash, boosting fuel efficiency and minimising it impact on other vessels. Passengers benefit from a spacious boarding platform and can enjoy unimpeded, panoramic views of their surroundings.

The vessel can be easily adapted to specific customer requirements and a wide range of configurations are available, from commuting and shuttle to sightseeing and dinner cruising. The high-quality vacuum infusion build process is both fast to execute and exceptionally strong, and power is provided by twin, forward facing, double-screw podded propulsion units with underwater exhausts to further cut down on noise and vibration.

Positive reactions
As part of the event, guests were invited to experience the Water Bus and its features firsthand with a short trip on the Boven-Merwede waterway. The warm sunshine, pleasant surroundings and good company made it all the more enjoyable. Reactions from the guests included comments such as “wow, it’s fast”, “it’s so spacious” and “I really like the panoramic windows”. Other favourable remarks pointed out the high manoeuvrability, the comfortable seating, the high standard of the interior and how quiet it was when underway. Its modular construction, which allows the midsection to be of varying lengths, was also much commented on.

The Water Bus series will be built at Damen’s specialist composite facility at Damen Shipyards Antalya, in Turkey, with fast delivery times possible due to the construction methods and materials.

Jelle Meindertsma, Damen Sales Manager Benelux, commented: “The seasonal impact on demand for passenger transport by water is well known, and with the summer ahead of us our first Water Bus 2407 is already getting plenty of interest. Meanwhile a second unit is under construction in Antalya.”

Month: May 2017

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