KNRM, Delft University of Technology, De VriesLentsch Naval Architects and Damen: maritime cooperation leads to innovation
Damen and its partners have won the Royal Netherlands Society for Marine Engineering (KNVTS)‘Ship of the Year Award’ for Nh1816, the first of a series of the SAR 1906, a revolutionary new Search & Rescue boat, at the Maritime Awards Gala 2014 held in Rotterdam.
Jaap Gelling, Director High Speed Craft of Damen, says: “We are absolutely delighted that this very special vessel has received this accolade. The SAR 1906 is sailing proof that investment in R&D and innovation works!”
Developed in close collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM), Delft University of Technology and De VriesLentschNaval Architects, the new type is the future ‘big boat’ of KNRM, the so-called ‘Nh1816 Class’ (named after its sponsor, insurance company‘De Noordhollandschevan 1816’).
R&D
“We started working on this next generation Lifeboat in 2009. Various concept designs were jointly made and these were extensively tested by Delft University of Technology. There is no other lifeboat in the world for which such an enormous amount of R&D has been carried out. The final design was only reached due to the excellent cooperation between all the parties.”, Jaap Gelling says.
The SAR 1906 is a 35-knots self-righting vessel, with an aluminium hull anda composite wheelhouse. The hull design is based on the Axe Bow technology, adapted for the specific operations of lifeboats.
Damen delivered the first vessel to KNRM in the beginning of 2014. But the longer-term plan is that the SAR 1906 replaces the KNRM’s ‘ArieVisser Class’, which already has a reputation for being one of the best lifeboats in the world.
Mr Gelling adds: “We have kept and improved all the great things of the ArieVisserClass boats and solvedthe less favourable aspects – the SAR 1906 is simply better in all respects. Seakeeping is fantastic, manoeuvrability, course stability and crew comfort is vastly superior.”
“KNRM is willing to help Damen offer the new type to other SAR and coastguard organisations – which is very much appreciated by Damen, as the best publicity comes from happy customers.” There is already a great deal of market interest.
Superior seakeeping & comfort levels
Principal innovations in hull design, ergonomics, communications and navigation systems, along with many other new features give the SAR 1906 superior capabilities when compared to conventional lifeboats. Speed, range, efficiency, seaworthiness and safety are all aspects that have been fundamentally improved in the design, as well as ease of maintenance.
In addition to the Sea Axe, the SAR 1906 is outfitted with retractable fins near the stern that can be lowered for more course stability or raised to get extra manoeuvrability. In the wheelhouse, state-of-the-art fully integrated electronics permit real-time data exchange for ship-to-shore communications.
Crew comfort has been enhanced by reducing slamming, but also by several ergonomic features such as specialised chairs, climate control, improved visibility, reduced vibration and – last but not least – extreme reduction of noise levels.
The vessel’s dimensions are generous, giving extra space not only on deck – which can accommodate no less than 125 survivors – but also in the engine room. This gives the crew better access to improve maintenance operations.
Golden Triangle
“The development of the Nh 1816 has been a process of true cooperation in ‘The Golden Triangle’”, says Roemer Boogaard, the sea rescue institutions’ Director. “A perfect example of innovation by user, knowledge institute and manufacturing industry together – something the Dutch maritime industry continues to invest in. Also unique is the fact that the vessel has been fully built under Class by Lloyd´s!”
“Together, and with a strong sense of community involvement and socialcommitment, we helped each other with knowledge, both theoretical and practical, and skill to develop this innovative Search & Rescue vessel. Winning the KNVTS Ship of the Year Award is a welcome recognition of these effortsand we are very, very proud of that.”, says Roemer Boogaard, to which Jaap Gelling adds:“Indeed! Getting the ‘Ship of the Year Award’ is the icing on the cake of this great project!”
Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 ship- and repair yards, employing 8, 000 people worldwide.Damen has delivered more than 5, 000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers approximately160 vessels annually to customers worldwide.Based on its unique, standardised ship design concept Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.
Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale value and reliable performance.Furthermore, Damen vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.
Damen offers a wide range of products, including:tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high-speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and super yachts.
For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of services, such as maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. Finally, Damen offers a variety of marine components, especially nozzles, (flap-type) rudders, steering gear, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.
Damen Shiprepair & Conversion
In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion offers a network of 16 repair and conversion yards worldwide, with dry docks ranging up to 420 x 80 metres.Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to meet today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures.DS&C handles 1, 500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.
“Jo”
