New model coastal hydrographic vessel for Zeeland Seaports

The Netherlands’ Next Generation Shipyards has delivered the first in a new class of vessel specially equipped for hydrographic survey activities in coastal and inland waters.

Three years ago, in consultation with potential users, a start was made on developing an innovative, modern line of functional and stable-sailing vessels.

Harmonie, the first in the series, was delivered to the client Zeeland Seaports in Terneuzen, Netherlands in May. She is 15 metres long, and is the smallest of the available sizes of up to 25.5 metres.

North Sea Ports will use this ship to monitor its waterways and ports. North Sea Ports is the new name of the merged company that was formerly the Ghent Port Company and Zeeland Seaports, which merged on December 8, 2017.

The yard has developed a lot of knowledge about specialist hydrographic applications. For more than twenty years, Albert Keizer has been building and maintaining work ships for hydrography with his permanent crew.

“It is our job to develop a platform where the hydrographic equipment can fully perform, and details are very important, and any disturbance in the underwater acoustics caused by swirls, air bubbles or disturbing vibrations must be prevented,” said Keizer.

Characteristic of the new class is the continuous deep-V hull that is driven twin-screw. The ship has wide gangways and an easily walkable foredeck. The aft deck is designed as a spacious and safe working deck.

A full review of Harmonie will appear in the July issue of Work Boat World magazine.