VESSEL REVIEW | WN25 – Hybrid crane vessel delivered to Amsterdam water utility company

Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld has delivered a new shallow-draught crane vessel to Waternet Amsterdam, the organisation responsible for delivering fresh water and associated management services to 1.3 million people in and around Amsterdam.

Named WN25, the versatile boat will be operated by the department within Waternet that is tasked with dredging and collection of floating debris. It is equipped to undertake a range of roles including detecting and removing rubbish and abandoned derelict boats, as well as towing and pushing barges when required.

The vessel has an LOA of 17.5 metres, a beam of 4.2 metres, and a draught of only 0.8 metres. It has been adapted to meet Waternet’s exact requirements with its hull shape modified to reduce the suction effect when sailing close to the side of a channel and through bridges.

To minimise emissions, the vessel has a hybrid propulsion system with lithium-ion batteries installed in a dedicated air-conditioned section and charged by an EU Stage V-certified engine. With a capacity of 138 kWh, the batteries deliver a maximum speed of eight knots and an endurance of 3.5 hours at 6.5 knots, plus a bollard pull of 2.1 tonnes.

In addition, the wheelhouse has been redesigned, allowing the cabin structure to be lowered in order to minimise the air draught, thus allowing safe passage underneath bridges and other low-hanging structures. Both the wheelhouse and the accommodation spaces are air-conditioned.

WN25 is the newest Damen-built vessel to join the fleet of Waternet. The same owner also operates a small fleet of Damen patrol vessels that were acquired in recent years.

Click here for more news, features, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s focus on marine pollution control.