A new type of towage vessel has been ordered with dynamic positioning and onboard equipment for dredging, cabling and supporting offshore renewable projects
A new type of towage vessel has been ordered with dynamic positioning and onboard equipment for dredging, cabling and supporting offshore renewable projects.
Damen Shipyards has secured a contract from Herman Sr for a new Shoalbuster design vessel with dynamic positioning (DP-2 class) and engines that meet IMO Tier III requirements.
This shallow draught (SD) vessel will be constructed at Damen’s Hardinxveld facilities in the Netherlands to a Shoalbuster 3514 SD design and named Brutus.
This workboat will be the first diesel-electric Shoalbuster of this design. It will have an overall length of 35, breadth of almost 14 m and draught of 2.7 m with full tanks.
Its propulsion will include four Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines delivering 3,876 kW to four 1.9-m nozzles, an arrangement that contributes significantly to its shallow-waters capability.
This vessel will have bollard pull of around 60 tonnes. Herman Sr intends to use Brutus for multiple operations including as an effective towage asset, oceangoing towage and anchor handling.
This vessel will have an 80 cm by 60 cm moonpool and a remotely operated vehicle for surveys, route clearance and mattress installations. It can be used for mooring, pushing and dredging support and offshore supply vessel duties.
However, its primary function would be to support windfarm maintenance, particularly in shallow waters. For these operations, Brutus will have a DP-2 system, including ancillary thrusters that should ensure precision position-holding in the vicinity of turbines and other structures.
Brutus will also have an open stern for cable-laying operations, an aft deck knuckle boom crane for lifting cargo and equipment, 12 cabins for six crew and up to 14 additional personnel.
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