Dutch marine services provider Herman Sr. BV has ordered the first of a newly-developed Damen Shoalbuster type with full DP2 capabilities.
This will be the first of a new class within the Shoalbuster series and one of the largest available. The vessel will be built at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld.
Shoalbuster 3514
The Shoalbuster 3514 measures 35 metres in length, nearly 14 metres wide and offers a free deck space of 150 m2 and 60 tonnes of bollard pull. Its SD (Shallow Draft) notation is derived from its exceptionally shallow draft of 2.70 metres at full tank capacity and just 2.40 metres at 50%. It is suitable for among others anchor handling, for which it will have an open stern complete with roller, and towage.
Four Caterpillar C32 Acert engines will deliver a total of 3879 bkW (5280 hp) to four 1900 mm nozzles, an arrangement that contributes to the Shoalbuster 3514's shallow-waters capability. The vessel will carry a crew of five to six, but it can accommodate up to 22 personnel.
Wind Farm Support and Maintenance
Herman Sr. intends to use the vessel, which will be named Brutus, for wind farm support and maintenance. The vessel will have a DP2 (dynamic positioning) system from Kongsberg, which includes ancillary thrusters to ensure precision position-holding on the open sea as well as in the vicinity of turbines and other structures.
Its open stern makes the vessel suitable for cable-laying operations and an aft deck knuckle boom crane allows for lifting a wide assortment of cargo and equipment. Other tasks the vessel will perform include PLGR, ROV surveys, mass flow, and UXO surveys.
Delivery of the Brutus is scheduled for spring 2020.
Picture: Mr. Erwin van Dodewaard (Commercial Manager, Herman Senior), Mr. Chris van Dodewaard (Technical Department / Purchaser, Herman Senior), Mr. Jos van Woerkum (Managing Director, Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld) and Mr. Jack van Dodewaard (Managing Director, Herman Senior) (picture by @Piet Sinke / Maasmond Maritime).
