Damen Shipyards Group has installed a series of advanced selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems on Van Oord’s cable-laying vessel Nexus. With this upgrade, the Nexus is now fully IMO Tier III compliant.
The Nexus is a Damen Offshore Carrier (DOC) 8500 delivered in 2014. The 122.68 x 27.45-metre vessel undertakes cable laying operations, principally in the offshore wind sector.
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Five SCR units
Damen developed its Marine NOx Reduction system in 2015 in preparation for IMO Tier III regulations. The system has proven itself on multiple applications on tugs, workboats, yachts and inland shipping vessels. Five SCR units have been installed on the Nexus, one for each engine.
SCR is an advanced emissions control technology. It contains a catalytic converter behind the engine, which reduces nitrogen (NOx) emissions by up to eighty per cent. It works by a catalyst which reacts with injected urea, chemically removing NOx from the vessel’s exhaust emissions. Damen adapted its standard system to meet the specific requirements of the Nexus.
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Space saving system
As the original builder of Nexus, Damen Shipyards Group was well-positioned to carry out this retrofit project. The company’s compact SCR system, which combines the damper and scrubber in one unit, proved to be an efficient solution, allowing for seamless integration within the vessel’s existing design. Given the spatial constraints on board, choosing a system that maximised performance while minimising impact on operational space was essential.
‘We chose Damen based on their familiarity with the Nexus as the original builder,’ says Manager Projects Fleet Hein Leemhuis. ‘Additionally, they were able to offer us a one-stop-shop solution, taking care of the entire project.’
Damen’s scope included the undertaking of a feasibility study to assess, and make proposals for the installation of the SCRs. Furthermore, Damen was responsible for the engineering, production and installation of the systems. Additionally, Damen’s scope included taking care of the arrangements for the verification and certification for class notation of the vessel.
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Fleet innovation
Van Oord is committed to reduce emissions and becoming net-zero, leading to a better, more sustainable world for future generations. To realise this, the company is assessing its existing fleet and determining the right modifications for optimising energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The investment in the installation of the SCR systems on the Nexus is an example of this strategy.
Picture: Damen installs NOX-reducing SCRs to Van Oord’s Nexus (photo by Damen).
