Over the past several weeks, Damen Marine Components (DMC) and Damen Anchor & Chain Factory (AKF), both part of Damen Shipyards Group, have reported successes in their respective fields.
DMC has completed several recent projects for the offshore, ports, defence and fishing markets, and is expanding its business and facilities in Poland. It also acquired a new ISO certificate. AKF, meanwhile, has expanded its range of available stock anchors.
AKF reported the arrival of the first shipment of additional stock size HYT-12 and HYD-14 anchors in June. The direct available range for HYT-12 anchors has increased up to 2,140kgs, whilst HYD-14 anchors are available in sizes up to 7,000kgs.
The range expansion is a result of an agreement AKF concluded with China-based Jiangsu Ziangsheng Heavy Industries to become the exclusive dealer in Europe for the Chinese anchor manufacturer's products. The company produces class-certified anchors available from stock in Schiedam at competitive prices.
"The Chinese products are definitely an alternative for European-made," commented Damen.
"The HHP HYT-12 type anchors from this Jiangsu Ziangsheng Heavy Industries are of high quality. They are LRS-certified and, in smaller sizes, are commonly used for Damen new buildings.
"The bigger HYD-14 ABS-certified offshore mooring anchors demonstrate the serious intention of Damen to become a respectable supplier and partner for the versatile marine offshore market."
Offshore
Another success of AKF's involved a commission, by a leading shackle manufacturer, to execute the class test procedure for a large offshore project.
"The tests were witnessed by the class society, the ultimate owner and our principal," commented AKF Manager Theo Kloosterman.
"The project contents the proof load of 10 anchor shackles and 20 joining shackles at a proof load of approximately 1,200 tonnes. We executed break load tests at a load of approximately 1,840 tonnes."
The project was scheduled and executed in three days of testing. AKF was awarded the order because of their Lloyds-approved testing house certificates and capacity to test this size of equipment.
Also on the topic of offshore, Damen announced sister company DMC recently delivered a twin propeller nozzle set for MAN in Chile. Promptly ordering a second set, the MAN AHT-type nozzles have an inside diameter of 4,020mm and will be mounted into AHTS vessels.
DMC has gained new and comprehensive quality assurance status by way of an upgrade and extension from its previous ISO 9000:2004 certificate. Bureau Veritas issued the ISO 14001:2004 certificate. This includes an array of environmental, HRM and legislative aspects.
Expansion of production capacity
Finally, DMC has begun expansion of its Polish facilities. The production hall in Elblag is now fully in operation. Production capacity will continue to grow as new machines are being installed in the next few months. Because of this expansion, DMC will soon be able to deliver its products to virtually all customer requirements.