Catalin Istrati (PM, Damen Shipyards Galaţi), Jan van Hogerwou (Sales Manager, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem), Carl Galley (Site Manager ATL), Kees Boeren (PM, O&T, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem), Mircea Busuioc (PM for DNVGL), Don Shepherd, Jan Versteijlen (PM, O&T, Damen Shipyards Group)
Construction kicks off on four-vessel order for Canada’s Atlantic Towing
In a keel laying ceremony attended by key client representatives, Damen Shipyards Galaţimarked the start of construction of two Platform Supply Vessels – PSV 5000 – for Canadian maritime services provider Atlantic Towing. The 90-metre vessels are part of a multiple vessel order that includes three identical supply vessels and one designed specifically for inspection, repair and maintenance duties. Atlantic Towing will mobilise all four vessels in North Atlantic oil fields off the Canadian coast.
“These ships are designed to deal with the harsh environment of the Grand Banks, ” explains Damen Manager North America Jan van Hogerwou. “Not only in terms of the task they will perform, but also concerning seakeeping characteristics. This will yield clear crew comfort and safety benefits.”
Atlantic Towing’s diverse fleet covers a broad spectrum of maritime services from port and barge support to coastal tug operations. The offshore support branch of the Canadian company’s business will increase to 13 vessels on completion of the present contract. “We are all set for delivery of the first vessel in April 2017 – with the further three following close behind, ” informs Mr Van Hogerwou.
The fourth vessel of the contract is also for a Damen PSV 5000 – however, in accordance with Atlantic Towing’s requirements, this one will be equipped for inspection, repair and maintenance capabilities. The most prominent distinction of this vessel will be its 100-ton active heave compensated crane intended for subsea operations.
True to Atlantic Towing’s reputation of a modern fleet committed to the strictest environmental standards, Damen is constructing all four vessels according to DNV-classified Green Passport notation. Notable features will include diesel-electric propulsion from fuel efficient generators and a selective catalytic reduction system focussing on reducing both gaseous and particulate exhaust emissions.
Damen’s scope of business in Canada is expanding – the Dutch shipbuilding company is currently concluding negotiations for a Damen certified service and maintenance centre based in St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador on the eastern coast of Canada.
Interestingly, also present at the keel laying ceremony were representatives from the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Transportation who were visiting Damen’sGalaţi yard for the launch of an 80-metre Ro-Pax ferry that took place the day after.
Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9, 000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 5, 000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 160 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 values 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 superyachts.
For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of services, including maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and the transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. Damen also offers a variety of marine components, such as nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.
In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has a worldwide network of 15 repair and conversion yards with dry docks ranging up to 420 x 80 metres. Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1, 500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.
“Jo”
