Damen has delivered the first new beam trawler to take to the North Sea in twelve years.
Over the last ten months, Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam (Maaskant) has outfitted the 41-m hull from stock, which had been there for over 10 years. The vessel, designated UK 46, is for Hakvoort Brothers, based in Urk, the Netherlands.
Optima Nozzles
A key feature of the vessel is the installation of twin Optima nozzles manufactured by Damen Marine Components (DMC). This is the first time that Maaskant has installed these in a fishing boat.
The nozzles are Damen Optima L/D 0.4 models with a diameter of 3.63 m. The stainless-steel collars surrounding the propellers deliver improved thrust both ahead and astern and so require less engine output for a given speed. In addition, they also enhance performance at low speeds and give less resistance at higher speeds.
The next three fishing boats that Damen will be building will also be fitted with nozzles from DMC.
Picture (right): Optima nozzles manufactured by DMC.
First DMC Fishing Winch
The fishing winch also represents a milestone for both Maaskant and DMC. It is the first such winch to be manufactured by DMC and was built to a design by Maaskant. A third Damen company also played a role in the fit-out of UK 46, with Damen Anchor & Chains supplying their trademark products to the vessel.
Beam Trawlers
Beam trawlers use outrigger booms to tow two trawls, one on each side. In the North Sea they are commonly used to catch shrimp and flatfish. The last such fishing boat to join the Dutch fishing fleet was the Catharina KW-145, launched in 2006. Prior to that, Maaskant delivered two others; the Cornelia BR-14 in 2004 and the Jan Cornelis GO-22 in 2006. Both these were also built to the Damen Maaskant design.
