Damen Patrol Vessels for Offshore Nigeria
Damen recently delivered a pair of FCS 3307 high-spec patrol vessels to be operated by Homeland Integrated Offshore Services (Homeland IOS Ltd) in Nigeria, and now the boats are being prepared for their assignments. The boats will be deployed in the Gulf of Guinea to protect and support the offshore assets of Homeland’s clients which include many international oil companies.
Features of the 33-m vessels include Damen’s trademark Axe Bow hull form that delivers excellent fuel economy and a top speed of 29 knots together with superb maneuverability and excellent seakeeping. The power comes from three Caterpillar main engines with a cumulative 3,579 bkW with each driving a fixed pitch propeller via a Reintjes WVS series gearbox. Capable of accommodating up to six crew and 12 security personnel they can remain at sea for up to four weeks and travel 1,200 nm in and around Nigeria’s coastal and offshore oil fields.
The security packages installed by Damen on both vessels are purely defensive. The bridges are bullet proof and armored ‘citadels’ within the hulls protect non-combatants.
In addition to their security role, each Damen FCS 3307 Patrol has a 75 sq. m. cargo deck aft rated at 2.5 tons/sq. m. that adds an additional level of versatility and cost effectiveness to the benefit of Homeland’s clients. The decks allow them to deliver equipment and spares to offshore installations without any impairment to their primary security role. Additional equipment specified by HIOSL includes thermal imaging sets, diesel powered SOLAS fast rescue craft and Fuel Trax fuel monitoring systems as well as redundant fuel oil separators to protect the engines and generators from contaminated fuel.
“We continue to invest in state-of-the-art vessels for our fleet so as to maintain our leadership position in servicing Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas sector,” said Dr. Louis Ekere, CEO & MD of Homeland Integrated Offshore Services. “We work with many of the international oil companies (IOCs) operating actively in the Gulf of Guinea and these new additions will support them in achieving their strategic global objectives.”