Damen Shipyards inks contract for first diesel-electric shoal busterDamen Shipyards inks contract for first diesel-electric shoal buster

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 metres in length, nearly 14 metres wide and with a free deck space of 150 cu m sq. With a draught of 2.70 metres at full tank capacity and just 2.40 metres 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 1,900mm nozzles, an arrangement that contributes significantly to her shallow-waters capability,” said Damen.

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With 60 tonnes of bollard pull 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.

“This new vessel will increase the services we can offer to our customers and shall give us more flexibility in the field,” said 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.”