New deepwater AHTS offers 200+ tonnes bollard pull and extended winch package
Damen Shipyards Group has introduced a newly designed Damen AHTS 200, a versatile deepwater AHTS able to operate in water depths in excess of 3,000 metres. The AHTS 200 is the latest addition to the ongoing Damen Offshore Series.
Following the company's ambitions to increase market share in the offshore industry, Damen heavily invested in designing modern vessels for several offshore sub-markets, noticeably the offshore support, offshore wind, (seismic) research, transport and installation industries.
Backed by "ample" research and development facilities, significant engineering capacity, its own construction yards, specialised partner yards and a rapid expanding service organisation, Damen "feels confident that the chosen approach will be successful."
According to the company, for the AHTS 200, extensive research analysis was executed on hull optimisation, sea keeping qualities, noise and vibration reduction, fuel oil consumption reduction, changing rules and regulations and client-needs and lessons-learned from other Damen designs.
Innovative winch package
The Damen AHTS 200 includes an innovative winch arrangement that plays a key role in the layout of the vessel. For the development of this extensive winch package, Damen teamed up with Huisman Equipment of The Netherlands, a company that specialises in heavy lift and deepwater cranes, winches and drilling equipment. The electrically driven winches resulting from this co-operation are in contrast to the traditional domination in the market of low-pressure hydraulics. "The electrical-drive winches provide a clean, green, economical, functional and safe solution for the anticipated operations.," said Damen in a statement.
Propulsion
The vessel is suited to generate a bollard pull of between 200-250 tonnes and is fitted with engines in a father-son layout, featuring twin-in single-out gearboxes driving controllable-pitch propellers in a nozzle. High performance flap-type rudders fitted to rotary vane steering gears facilitate a high degree of manoeuvrability, supported by ample side thrust capacity, including tunnel thrusters as well as retractable thrusters in the fore and aft ship.
Outfitting options
Forward of the winches, ample space has been reserved for the fitting of a high-end ROV system with the possibility of launching through a side door. The high beam AHTS could serve as a suitable platform for mounting a subsea construction crane. The design can easily be upgraded with dedicated anti-heeling systems, moon pools and sophisticated diving systems.
Accommodation
Accommodation is "comfortable" can host up to 45 persons in single and double cabins fitted according to the Damen Business or Executive Line and comprising modern and durable materials.
Special attention has been paid to sufficient natural lighting through maximum-sized windows. Modern infotainment systems offering multiple levels of data communication support the functionality and comfort of the vessel.
Although driven by its standardisation philosophy, Damen offers opportunities to include owner's standards and component choices for maximal support of their desired operations. The vessel is designed following an extensive DNV-class notation, although other class societies may also be considered.
