Van Wijngaarden Orders Damen Workboat

Damen has begun work on the latest and one of the largest yet in its shallow draft Shoalbuster range. Ordered by Van Wijngaarden Marine Services, the Shoalbuster 3512 is 35 meters in length, has a draft of 2.9 meters and GRT of 498 metric tons. The completely new design brings a range of benefits including a larger bridge, a working deck of 134m² and accommodation for up to 11 personnel. The propulsion system is based on three engines delivering 2,910 bKW at 1,800 rpm, with the middle engine configured to supplement the twin gensets when additional power is required by hydraulic deck gear such as the crane and winch, and also the bow thruster.

Van Wijngaarden Marine Services owns and operates a fleet of 14 workboats for deep sea, coastal and inland waters around the world. Three of these are Damen Shoalbusters - one 2609S and two 3009 - and a fourth is a Damen Pushy Cat 42 with over 40 years of service behind it and still going strong. As a class, Damen Shoalbusters are exceptionally versatile, handling tasks ranging from short and long distance towing to dredge support for offshore projects such as supporting the construction and maintenance of windfarms.

According to the builder, the new 3512 will be available for deployment wherever it is required. A bollard pull of 55 metric tons yet a draft of less the three meters will make it invaluable for heavy towage in shallow waters, as will its ability to carry up to seven (20 TEU) standard containers, facilitate diving, survey and dredging operations and much more besides.

The delivery date for the Shoalbuster 3512 is scheduled for the end of March, 2016.