Damen has completed full scale roll-over testing of its Search and Rescue Vessel 1906 with running engines.
The tests were performed in Antalya, Turkey, in cooperation with the Turkish Coast Guard and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in addition to engine manufacturer MTU.
Ongoing Research
The innovative design of the Damen SAR 1906 is the result of close collaboration between Damen and the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM), Delft University of Technology, and De Vries Lentsch Naval Architects and was introduced almost five years ago. The latest “roll-over with running engines” tests demonstrate that the company is still working towards improving the award-winning design by implementing results of ongoing research.
Roll-over Mode
The test with running engines was performed at the Turkish Coast Guard’s request. According to Damen, it is the first time such a test has been carried out with running engines.
Meredith Dijkstra, Damen Product Portfolio Manager High Speed Craft: ‘We have been working closely with MTU to develop and improve engine software that is able to handle a capsize situation. This has been backed up by engine roll-over tests at their facilities and our own proven investigations into the roll-over capacity of the SAR 1906.
In the eventuality of a vessel capsize in extreme weather conditions, the capsize switch detects the roll-over and sends out signals to, for example, the engine software which will go into “roll-over mode”. ‘At this moment, the water jets are automatically clutched out and the engine returns to idle mode to protect the engine,’ she explains. ‘This continues until the software detects the vessel has righted itself and the crew can directly regain control.’
The SAR 1906 also has several mechanical design features in place to enable continuous and safe operation of the engine. ‘We purposely used mechanical solutions, instead of electronic solutions, because they are safer and more durable.’ Examples of the mechanical design features are the addition of extra water traps to the ventilation inlets and exhaust systems.
‘After all, this is the principle that we have been working towards; when all other vessels have to turn back to port because of bad weather, the SAR 1906 needs to be able to continue [its] work when no one else can.’
