Van Wijngaarden Marine Services (VWMS) has taken delivery of the latest vessel in its fleet, a 37m DP2-equipped Damen Multi Cat (MuC) 3713 named ‘Waddenstroom’.
The vessel was built at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, and is the largest MuC in the Damen range. It joins five Damen Shoalbusters and a DP1 MuC 3013 in VWMS’ workboat fleet. Waddenstroom features a series of innovations to ensure its suitability to support the offshore renewable energy sector.
VWMS and Damen signed the contract for the vessel in May 2023. The rapid delivery is the result of Damen’s practice of building vessels in series and keeping them in stock. At the time of the order, Damen already had the MuC 3713 in build. Though based on a standard platform, Damen was able to tailor the vessel in order to meet VWMS’ requirements. This involved adaptation of the steel work and deck to facilitate the range of equipment the company requires to fulfil its diverse work scope. Damen installed ten of the vessel’s 16 crew cabins above deck in order to meet VWMS’ exacting standards for crew comfort.
Damen’s client was also keen to ensure the vessel performed as sustainability as possible. To achieve this, Damen installed Waddenstroom with its in-house developed Marine NOX Reduction System, a selective catalytic reduction system to cut maritime emissions in line with IMO Tier III requirements. In a further move towards sustainability, the vessel is outfitted with DP2 capabilities required to serve the offshore renewable energy industry. Waddenstroom additionally features a diesel-electric propulsion system, ensuring optimal efficiency and a reduction of both fuel consumption and emissions.
In addition to the featured innovations, Waddenstroom draws heavily on her Damen workboat heritage, with a crane fore and aft, anchor handling, towing and tugger winches, as well as stern rollers and towing pins.
Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld Commercial Manager Jeroen van Woerkum said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved with the Waddenstroom. This is an innovative vessel that meets all the current requirement for sustainable performance. We also very proud that VWMS continues to place its trust in Damen. Our two companies have enjoyed an excellent relationship for a considerable time now and it’s a pleasure to see this continue into the next generation with Peter van Wijngaarden at the helm.”
Peter van Wijngaarden, MD VWMS added: “As Dutch maritime family companies, Damen and VWMS have long shared the same values. What we see, as we move forwards, is that we continue to align with one another. With this, we can work together on developing vessels that meet the technical and sustainable requirements of the maritime industry of today and tomorrow.”
Image: ‘Waddenstroom’ (credit: Damen Shipyards)
