Damen Shipyards has announced the sale of its first-ever Twin Axe Catamaran, the Damen High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) 2610, which is particularly suited for the offshore wind industry.
Marineco UK, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, recently signed for the new HSSV 2610 with an option for a second. The Scottish firm already has an extensive Damen fleet.
More than a year in development, the Twin Axe HSSV design is a further development of Damen's highly successful Sea Axe concept.
The Damen HSSV 2610 has been undergoing thorough testing at Delft University in The Netherlands.
The new vessel has accommodation for four crewmembers and has a capacity for transporting 12 passengers. The HSSV has a large 20-tonne deck crane, a spacious diving platform, HP cleaning unit and extra mooring winches.
This makes the vessel suited for a diverse range of activities for supporting and supplying the offshore wind industry, as well as the wider offshore sector.
With a fuel capacity of 12,000 litres, the new vessel can be used to transfer fuel to wind turbines. Classed by Bureau Veritas, the vessel operates under the Workboat Code, Category 1. Depending on the sea state, the maximum speed will be 26 knots with a range of 640 nautical miles.
Currently under construction at Damen Gorinchem in the Netherlands, the vessel is expected to be ready by June 2011. Marineco UK has named the first HSSV 'Marineco Shamal' and it will operate under the British flag.
