First Diesel-Electric Damen Shoalbuster Ordered
On January 25, 2019 the contract was signed between Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld (DSHa) and longstanding client Herman Sr. for the building of the first diesel-electric Damen Shoalbuster 3514 SD DP2.
The new vessel is scheduled for delivery by the first half of 2020 and will be named Brutus. The Shoalbuster 3514 SD (shallow draft) DP2 (dynamic positioning 2) will be the first of a new Shoalbuster class and one of the largest and most sophisticated in the range, being also IMO Tier 3 compliant.
The Shoalbuster 3514 will be a substantial and versatile working platform, measuring 35 meters in length, nearly 14 meters wide and with a free deck space of 150m2. With a draught of 2.70 meters at full tank capacity and just 2.40 meters at 50% she will be able to access waters inaccessible to other vessels of a similar size and capability. Four Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines will deliver a total of 3,876 bkW (5,280 hp) to four 1900mm nozzles, an arrangement that contributes significantly to her shallow-waters capability.
With 60 tonnes of bollard pull she will also be a powerful and effective towage asset. Among the many other roles which the Brutus will be capable of taking on are PLGR operations, ROV surveys via a 600 x 800mm moonpool, mattress installations, UXO clearance, mooring, pushing, dredging support, ocean-going towage and general offshore supply vessel duties. Other features include four-point mooring and she will also be equipped for anchor handling, with an open stern complete with roller. The accommodation is comprised of 12 cabins for six to seven crew plus 13-14 additional personnel.
Herman Sr. intends to use its Shoalbuster 3514 primarily for wind farm support and maintenance, where its shallow draft will allow it to work near as well as offshore. The DP-2 dynamic positioning system including ancillary thrusters will ensure precision position-holding on the open sea as well in the vicinity of turbines and other structures. Its open stern will also make the vessel suitable for cable-laying operations and a sturdy aft deck knuckle boom crane will be capable of lifting a wide assortment of cargo and equipment.
“This new vessel will increase the services we can offer to our customers and shall give us more flexibility in the field,” says Jack van Dodewaard, managing director of Herman Sr. “The demand for DP-2 vessels is increasing and with this multi-purpose, shallow draft vessel we will be filling a gap in the market. The vessel will be very fuel efficient and will have a very low CO2 footprint due to its design. Our family has had a longstanding relationship for more than 70 years with Damen and so we are confident that they will deliver the vessel to us on time and to our satisfaction.
“With the Brutus our yard is adding a brand new and innovative model to the successful and proven Damen Shoalbuster range,” added Jos van Woerkum, managing director of Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld. “This Shoalbuster 3514 will have a shallow draught with a DP-2 dynamic positioning system, something that has been unheard of up until now for this new type of vessel. The design has been realized in close consultation with the customer who had in mind the special future duties of the Brutus and we would like to thank Herman Sr. very much for their loyalty and trust once again in Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld to build this new and 14th Damen vessel for their fleet.”