Damen is set to launch a new vessel type, the multifunctional Multibuster 8020. With its shallow draught and DP2 capabilities, the Multibuster is suitable for a wide range of nearshore and offshore activities. Albwardy Damen will deliver the first one for stock in October.

Damen’s subsidiary OSD-IMT designed the Damen Multibuster 8020 with flexibility and workability in mind. It has a minimum operating draught of only 3 metres. With an 800 m2 unobstructed aft deck, the entire beam of the vessel is available for performing tasks such as welding, as it is free from deaeration systems and filling pipes. The strengthened deck also makes it suitable for different equipment sets.

It has comfortable accommodation for sixty people (including fourteen crew). This makes it ideal for project teams and wind farm technicians. And although it is quite a compact vessel, it has plenty of easily accessible storage.

The vessel has an active heave compensated crane, which has a short boom lifting capacity of 65 tonnes and a maximum outreach of 30 metres. For additional customisation, the Multibuster can be outfitted with daughter craft, an A-frame, FiFi 2, an Anchor Handling tug winch, stern rollers or a four-point mooring system.

Also read: Damen delivers Antarctic research vessel Nuyina

From beaching and Walk-to-Work to humanitarian aid

The offshore energy market, including both renewables and oil & gas, is just one of the main markets where the new vessel can be deployed. The hull is strengthened for beaching, which is ideal for cable laying and it is also suitable for UXO clearance, for the surveying phase of projects, trenching, hose handling, ROV deployment and diving activities. With the addition of a crew access system, the Multibuster can also serve as a Walk-to-Work vessel, making it possible to perform construction support activities offshore.

Damen also sees a role for the DMB in humanitarian aid and disaster relief support. It could even be used as a military training vessel. The shipyard has already prepared the vessel for refitting. Potential options include an extra deck for a helideck and hangar (for up to two helicopters), and davits to launch RIBs/Interceptors. There is also ample space available for containers and specific mission equipment.

Additionally, the new vessel type is suitable for both the dredging and subsea mining applications. In these markets, it could serve as a support vessel to the mother ship.

Vessel particulars

  • Length overall: 80.38 m
  • Length loadline: 77.18 m
  • Beam (moulded): 20.00 m
  • Depth (moulded): 5.50 m
  • Design draught from base (even keel): 3.50 m
  • Summer draught from base (even keel): 4.50 m
  • Minimum operational draft: 3.00 m
  • Deadweight at 3.0 m (approx.): 618 t
  • Deadweight at 3.5 m (approx.): 1313 t
  • Deadweight at 4.2 m (approx.): 2365 t
  • Gross tonnage: 3759
  • Crew: 14
  • Special personnel: 46
  • Speed (approx.): 11 knots
  • Bollard pull, aft azimuths only (approx.): 45 T
  • Bollard pull (max.) approx.: 60 T
  • Dynamic positioning at current: 0.75 m/s