EDT Offshore (Cyprus), an operations and management company for offshore support and dredging services, has taken delivery of a Damen Fast Crew Supplier 3507 and an FCS 5009: the ‘Leda’ and the ´Nefeli´.

Both are built according to the Damen Sea Axe design that reduces slamming up to 75% and increases crew comfort. The EDT Nefeli is outfitted with DP1, FiFi 1 and a luxury interior for a high level of passenger comfort during longer trips.

EDT has a fleet of 20 Diving Support Vessels (DP3), Offshore Support Vessels, crew suppliers and dregders that operate worldwide. Three of the company’s crew suppliers and two dredgers are designed and built by Damen. According to Chartering Coordinator Miki Miroslav, safety and maintenance are key to EDT’s business. “We update and upgrade our vessels constantly and stay in touch with our captains all the time. Our clients are experts in their own field and they expect the same from us. We even have a 1972-built OSV that still meets today’s safety regulations.”

EDT Nefeli Managing Director Darios Melas was quoted as saying: “We are a family-company and many of our employees have been with us from the start in 1980. This is reflected in our business. We want our ships to be both high-tech and a ‘home away from home’, so we spend a lot of attention on details. For 'Nefeli', we sat down with Damen to adapt the basic design to our needs and discuss the options offered by Damen. In addition to the dynamic positioning and firefighting systems, we’ve outfitted the vessel with extra accommodation for clients and their representatives and extra luggage compartments. Furthermore, this 50 metre crew boat will be making some long trips to platforms. Therefore, we’ve installed luxury seats with entertainment systems and internet access.”

Operational excellence

In order to keep the new Fast Crew Suppliers in good condition, EDT has assigned two dedicated crews to each vessel. “A dedicated crew will take a real interest in their ship. This has a positive effect on following safety procedures, maintenance and gaining technical knowledge. In our experience, the crew gets to know the ship inside-out and they give every effort to keep it clean. In addition, the captain and his men gain understanding of the client who charters the vessel and they provide us with valuable feedback,” said Mr Melas.

EDT Offshore contracted Damen Shipyards for several reasons, Mr Melas explains. Among them are the proven Sea Axe concept and Damen’s reputation as a reliable partner. The combined builder’s and buyer’s financing arrangement also contributed in choosing Damen. With the new FCS 3507 and 5009 immediately in operation after delivery, EDT is confident its operations will continue to grow.