SEACONTRACTORS: FLEXIBILITY

THE KEY FOR FUTURE SUCCESS page 2

SAAM SMIT TOWAGE

DELIVERY OF ANOTHER DAMEN TUG TO TAKE ON CHALLENGING ATLANTIC WATERSSST will take delivery of an ASD Tug

2913, giving the company an 11-strong

fleet of Damen vessels.

Project Management Van Andel PR Support Editors Damen Communications Department, Van Andel PR Support Texts Matt Johnson, Helen Hill, Tom Scott Design & Art Direction Damen Communications Department Photography Damen Communications Department, Van der Kloet, Seacontractors, Fratelli Neri, Port Fleet 99, Master Divers, Svitzer, JSC Vostochny Port, Damen Song Cam Shipyard, Multraship Towage & Salvage, BINCO, South African Navy, P&O Repasa, Saam Smit Towage Printing Tuijtel Damen Shipyards Group, Avelingen-West 20, 4202 MS Gorinchem, the Netherlands, www.damen.com, info@damen.com All rights reserved, Copyright Damen Shipyards Group

SOUTH AFRICAN NAVY:

POWERFUL NEW ATD TUGS

ASD TUG 3010 ICE JOINS

JSC VOSTOCHNY PORT

SVITZER: NEW TUGS BAHAMAS

AND DOMINICAN REPUBLIC page 8

page 10page 21

page 16

DAMEN HARBOUR & TERMINAL JOURNALDamen products, markets and

developments from our business

partners’ perspective.

IN THIS ISSUE: FRATELLI NERI: LUISA NERI DEMONSTRATES HER VERSATILITY P4 | PORT FLEET 99: MANOEUVRING IN RESTRICTED WATERWAYS P6 | MASTER DIVERS: SOUTH ASIA’S ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ALL THINGS MARITIME P7 | DAMEN SONG CAM SHIPYARD: PRODUCING 30 TOP QUALITY VESSELS ANNUALLY JUST TWO YEARS AFTER OPENING P12 | SAUDI ARABIA’S BINCO INVESTS FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM P14 | NEW STAN LAUNCH SERIES: JUST TURN THE KEY AND GO! P20 | NEWS P22 | DAMEN’S SHIP PORTFOLIO: THE RIGHT VESSEL FOR THE RIGHT JOB P24

P&O REPASA

EXPANSION IN WEST AFRICAP&O Repasa is a new company, but one

with roots that go back a long way.

page 18

ISSUE 4 SUMMER 2016

HARBOUR & TERMINALJOURNAL

SEACONTRACTORS

FLEXIBILITY THE KEY FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

Xander Schanssema

Executive Director, Seacontractors

Compared to a number of its competitors that can trace their origins back a century or more, Seacontractors is

very much a new arrival to the world of the offshore services. Yet, in the 10 years since it was founded by

entrepreneur and Executive Director Xander Schanssema, Seacontractors has become a respected services

provider in a number of sectors around the world.

The company’s activities are currently focused on three key areas; offshore energy,

maritime infrastructure and towage/salvage, and ship handling services, but that mix

is constantly under review and evolving. “One thing that we are seeing happening

due to the challenging conditions in the industry is that our energy division is

becoming smaller while our maritime infrastructure section is growing. We expect

the civil section to become one of our main business in the future, especially with the

growing offshore wind farm business in Zeeland”, says Mr Schanssema referring to

the region of the Netherlands where Seacontractors is based.

In addition to the business areas based on its large fleet of modern offshore vessels,

Seacontractors is also active in ship management, offshore brokerage, salvage/

wreck removal, terminals and ship management, serving a wide and expanding

international client portfolio. Recent projects in this area include working with Van

Oord on a project for KNPC in Kuwait and a long-term deal in Australia. “It is really

exceptional at times like these to agree long-term agreements. Normally we work on

short-term projects, which makes it essential to be able to adapt quickly and switch

between jobs,” Mr Schanssema continued.

Evolving to survive and prosper

In order to achieve that ability to adapt quickly, Seacontractors has built a fleet of

vessels that are inherently multifunctional, allowing them to pro-actively react to the

changing demands of the oil & gas and renewables industries. This has helped the

company to keep pace with developments in what has been a dramatic 10 years for

everyone involved in the maritime sector. Even though the industry is facing harsh

economic conditions at the moment, Mr Schanssema believes the future is promising.

That commitment to versatility extends to where Seacontractors operates, as well

as how it operates. A recent refocus has resulted in five geographical regions being

identified as offering the most potential. As well as Northwest Europe, where it has

around ships active on various contracts, Seacontractors’ vessels can also be found

in the Middle East, the Caspian Sea and South America. The most recent addition is

Africa, where the company has opened a branch office in Nigeria.

“We have the ability to change regions depending on the workforce and projects,”

Mr Schanssema explains. “For example, even though the oil & gas industry is at its

2

worst, we have still opened an office in the Middle East. We plan to expand our civil

construction activities there based on the quality of our service and certificates.”

One of the vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf is the Damen Shoalbuster 3209

Sea India. The shallow draught, multifunction Shoalbuster 3209 with its large aft deck

is ideal for mixed assignments.

The vessel, named Sea India, has a draught of just 3.3 metres yet 48 tonnes of

bollard pull. She is also the first in her class to be fitted with FiFi-1 fire-fighting

capability. At the same time that this order was placed, Seacontractors also signed

up for two Stan Tugs 3011, the first of their class to be built. With 70 tonnes of

bollard pull together with fire-fighting and anchor handling capabilities, for Mr

Schanssema these represented a milestone in Seacontractors’ fleet expansion

strategy, offering the potential to increase the company’s offshore oil & gas as

well as terminal services capabilities. “What drew us to the new Stan Tug 3011

was the broader design, making it compact yet with plenty of deck space,” he

commented, “and we also knew that we could rely on Damen for our demanding list

of customisations.”

Named Atlantis and Dian Kingdom, the two tugs were delivered in June 2015 with

custom features including a changed deck layout and an extension of 1 metre to the

aft deck to create an open stern with roller. “We’ve put a lot of thought into these

vessels,” Mr Schanssema said, “ensuring that they meet the tough requirements set

by our clients, particularly in the Middle East. Damen has done a great job for us in

developing these customised designs and the end result is worth it.”

Seacontractors now operates a total of seventeen vessels, but Mr Schanssema still

sees room for growth. “These workboats are a great addition to the existing fleet,

enabling us to pursue our ambitions and satisfy the specific needs of the maritime

industry by offering specialised services,” he said.

Eight vessels in total were added in 2015, the other six being so called B-type

vessels. Together these acquisitions strengthen the company’s operational synergies

as well as its position in the international market. It is this ability to adapt quickly as

new sectors gain strength while others mature that puts Seacontractors in a strong

position to benefit, whatever the future may hold.

Xander Schanssema

Executive Director, Seacontractors

“Damen has done a great job for us in developing these customised designs and the end result is worth it.”

3

THE LUISA NERI DEMONSTRATES HER VERSATILITY

GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Headquartered in Livorno on the Italian west coast, Fratelli Neri has more than 100 years of experience in the

towage and salvage sectors. With more than 30 vessels in the fleet, the company is committed to consolidating

international activities in maritime-related services that include oil pollution response and offshore oil terminal

assistance, in addition to harbour towage operations. Part of the Neri Group, the company is a fifth generation

family-owned business. Here, Fratelli Neri President Piero Neri talks about the company’s newest member of the

fleet: the Luisa Neri, a Damen ASD Tug 3212.

At the beginning of 2016, Fratelli Neri took delivery

of the Luisa Neri: since the acquisition, the company

has mobilised the new vessel for harbour escort duties

in her home port of Livorno. “Towage activity is very

intense here. The Luisa Neri assists various types of

ships including large oil tankers,” begins Mr Neri.

“With its tight turns, Livorno is renowned for being

a challenging harbour to operate in – but this tug

can handle that. The captain and crew are extremely

satisfied with the outcome in terms of performance and

manoeuvrability, but also the standard of construction

and painting.”

Offshore flexibility

Fratelli Neri’s scope of business extends beyond the

harbour walls of Livorno, however. More than half the

company’s fleet is active elsewhere – in operations

worldwide as well as other ports on Italy’s west coast.

“The Neri Group also has offshore operations – for

which the Luisa Neri is extremely capable of working

in. She has excellent seakeeping characteristics: the

shape of the hull and raised forecastle deck facilitates

operations in exposed offshore waters,” he says.

“Therefore we have the flexibility to use her in both

harbour and offshore situations.”

Safe and dependable towing

The Luisa Neri uses Damen’s ASD Tug 3212 design.

With more than 40 sold since its introduction into

the portfolio, this is a vessel renowned for its power,

stability and safe working environment. To top all

that, the vessel is also installed with a Damen render-

recovery winch.

“The winch is the heart of a tug. In terms of reliability

and flexibility, this render-recovery winch is a very

important piece of equipment because it reduces the

chance of the towing line breaking. This makes offshore

towing and escorting activities much safer,” explains

Mr Neri. “The captain of the Luisa Neri is extremely

satisfied when towing under escort mode. In the

towage sector it is important to always have the best

possible equipment. The winch is one an example of

this. At the moment, this is maybe the only such winch

in Mediterranean waters – it is an important milestone

for us.”

Investment in innovations

Incorporating technical innovations into its fleet has

always been a key factor in the company’s strategy:

“We are always very keen and ready to accept new

developments,” continues Mr Neri. “In terms of both

service offered to our clients and for our personnel

on board, innovations have always been important.

Advances in propulsion systems – azimuth drives, for

example – and ship’s automation systems have brought

safer and more comfortable working conditions to

our personnel. The future will see further important

changes that are driven by environmental issues and

sustainable resources. We will keep investing in new

technologies to increase the expertise inside our

company.”

4

Piero Neri

President,Fratelli Neri A CLOSER LOOK AT DAMEN’S RENDER-RECOVERY WINCH

During offshore escorting and towage activities, a tug captain needs equipment he

can count on. When the wind is howling and the waves are pounding, one potential

worst case scenario is breakage of the towing line. Damen’s render-recovery winch,

like the one installed on the Luisa Neri, goes a long way in reducing to chances of this

situation occurring.

The winch works by preventing the high peak loads that can occur in the towing wire in

rough conditions. This is accomplished by rendering speeds of up to 100 m/min with a

line force of 100 tonnes and recovery speeds up to 50 m/min with a line force of 60

tonnes.

“The Damen Marine Components (DMC) render-recovery winch outperforms its

competitors by far – it really is unique in the industry,” says Damen Senior Design &

Proposal Engineer Tugs Mr Erik van Schaik. “With various operating modes used to

control either the distance or the forces acting between tug and the vessel it is

assisting, tug captains have an outstanding degree of flexibility. Choices can be made

depending on the weather, the sea conditions and the work involved.”

The system is proven: “We have successfully tested the render-recovery winch in 3

metre significant wave heights with 6 second wave periods.”

PERFORMANCE WHEN YOU NEED IT

Recovering

Line Speed100 50

60

100

0

Max.Speed

Max.Speed Line Force (t)

Max. Force

Set Force

Set Force

Max. Force

Rendering

OPERATING PRINCIPLE RENDER RECOVERY WINCH

5

MANOEUVRING IN RESTRICTED WATERWAYS FINDING THE RIGHT TUG FOR THE JOB

For many years, Port Fleet 99 was

the only provider of towage, mooring

and associated services in the Varna

region. In 2003 two smaller towage

companies, each with three tugs, became

competitors of Port Fleet 99. Today the

company operates ten tugs along with

a 100 tonne floating crane for cargo

handling, and employs around 150

people across the business.

The current fleet is quite diverse. Three

of the tugs were built in Singapore and

deliver 2,400 bhp of power and 30

tonnes of bollard pull. The remainder

were built in Russia and have either 1,200

or 1,600 bhp of power output and 17 to

18 tonnes of bollard pull. While they are

up to 40 years old, the Russian vessels

are in good condition, thanks in part to

the large quantity of spare parts held by

Port Fleet 99, a legacy from the days of

central planning.

Challenges….

The age and composition of the current

fleet does however bring challenges. The

Varna region is a busy one for maritime

traffic with the port an important transport

hub for imports and exports in and out

of the country, and the nearby shipyards

are doing well with vessel owners from

across the Black and Mediterranean

Seas attracted by keen pricing and good

quality. Mr Stefan Staykov of Port Fleet

99 picks up the story.

“The problem here in Varna is one of

space. The waters within the port are

very restricted and the docks are very

narrow, making manoeuvring difficult.

Our existing tugs are up to 30 metres in

length, with controllable-pitch propellers

in nozzles capable of a maximum angle

of turn of just 30 degrees. What we really

need are tugs that are compact and

manoeuvrable, yet powerful."

Some of the docks are also quite shallow,

and the tugs at full power can stir up

a lot of silt. “The filters for the engine

cooling inlets can quickly get clogged up,

with a negative impact on performance

and efficiency.”

The solution that Port Fleet 99 chose

was the purchase of a Damen Stan Tug

1907. This popular harbour tug is just

19.5 metres in length, but delivers 28

tonnes of bollard pull. Twin Caterpillar

C32 diesels deliver 2,000 bhp at 1,800

rpm and the nozzles ensure excellent

manoeuvrability with 45 degrees of

turn. The closed cooling water system

for both the main and auxiliary engines

ensures that silting up and subsequent

overheating is not a problem.

“The design is just perfect for our

requirements,” continues Mr Staykov,

“and of course the quality is excellent.

When the Alexandra, as the Stan

Tug 1907 will be called, arrives it will

be far more manoeuvrable than its

predecessors. Also many of the vessels

that call here are quite small and have

low freeboards. This means that the

larger tugs can sometimes end up

pushing on the railings rather than the

hulls and, as you can imagine, their

captains and crews do not appreciate

that! The entrance to the port is also

narrow and often congested, which

makes the Stan Tug 1907 even

more attractive. We have also found

Damen an easy company to deal

with. Its representatives made a very

good impression from the outset. In

negotiations they came across as

thorough and principled, and since then

Damen has become a trusted partner.”

…and opportunities

Mr Staykov is looking forward to the

arrival of the Alexandra. “I think she

will make a big impression on the users

of the port. A lot of people will get

to see just how good she is, and that

will encourage demand for towage

capabilities of this type and quality.”

The future holds out the prospect of even

more demand for Port Fleet 99’s services,

with the government planning a large-

scale modernisation of the Port of Varna,

including a new deepwater container

terminal and a new grain terminal. “It will

bring agricultural export business back

to Bulgaria and Varna that had moved to

more efficient ports outside our borders,”

he explains. With the government keen

to accelerate the development plans, this

should provide a welcome boost for the

ambitions of Port Fleet 99, as well as for

the Varna region and Bulgaria itself, in

the years ahead.

Port Fleet 99 is based in the Port of Varna, on the

Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Varna is Bulgaria’s largest

coastal city and seaside resort, the headquarters of the

Bulgarian Navy and a major tourist centre. As well as the

port itself, there are also a number of shipyards in the

region. The company began in 1969 as a department of

the port, but in 1999 was spun off as a separate business

providing towage services to vessels leaving and entering

the harbour. In 2002 the company was purchased by PFS

Ltd Sofia, a Bulgarian maritime company.

Stefan Staykov

Marketing & Contracting Deputy Manager, Port Fleet 99

6

SOUTH ASIA’S ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ALL THINGS MARITIME

Stefan Staykov

Marketing & Contracting Deputy Manager, Port Fleet 99

Ariyaseela Wickramanayake

Chairman,Master Divers

Nearly 40 years on, Master Divers has grown to become

the leading provider of all types of marine services not

only in Sri Lanka, where it has been the prime mover in

making the country independent in delivering marine

services, but also across the wider region. 2015 sees it

as one of the top five full service providers in the world,

committed to delivering the support that its customers

require, wherever it is needed.

In addition to its original diving services, the company

has gained extensive experience and expertise in

marine engineering, ship maintenance, harbour

contracting and salvage. This rise to prominence has

come through both organic growth and acquisitions

such as that of the highly respected W.A.Tucker; a move

that established it as Sri Lanka’s pioneering underwater

project specialist.

The clients of Master Divers include many shipping

agencies and owners, but it also works with other

providers of marine infrastructure such as the Port of

Dammam, in Saudi Arabia, which operates the world’s

longest container terminal. Over the years, Master

Divers has engaged in many other offshore and

harbour-based marine projects and maritime

construction work elsewhere, including in countries

such as Thailand, the Maldives, India and Singapore.

One of the many ways that the company stands out

from its competition is the quality of its equipment and

the fact that it is the only such organisation in South

Asia to operate its own fleet, made up of 15 vessels

including eight tugboats, three barges and a 128 metre

container vessel. A number of the tugs have been built

by Damen and purchased through Damen Trading, the

brokerage arm of the group. Indeed, Master Divers was

the first customer for Damen Trading in Asia back in

1982 and the relationship has continued to this day with

all the vessels bought from Damen still in operation and

maintained to the highest standards.

“They are very hardy, and good for another 20 or 30

years,” says founder and Chairman Mr Wickramanayake.

“We have been partners with Damen for a long time now

and we are very pleased with them and their vessels.”

The Master Divers fleet and their crews can certainly

expect a busy future. The company has global

ambitions in its quest to be wherever its customers

need it, while at the same time it continues to be a

powerful force for ensuring that Sri Lanka continues to

maximise the opportunities resulting from its strategic

location. As well as being involved in the expansion of

the port of the capital Columbo, Master Divers is also

investing $100 million in a ship repair yard and logistics/

transshipment hub in Hambantota, in the south of the

island. This city has been designated as the site for a

new international port to supplement Columbo’s

capabilities.

With regional hubs Singapore and Dubai becoming

increasingly congested, Mr Wickramanayake sees

shipping companies looking for alternative ports able

to meet all their requirements at a single point, and Sri

Lanka is superbly positioned to fulfil that need. With its

commitment to quality, technical capabilities and

developing and maintaining a skilled local workforce,

Master Divers may well be a critical player in bringing

that about in the years to come.

Sri Lanka is located on one of the great strategic shipping lanes of the world. Positioned on the key shipping

route between the Malacca Straits and the Suez Canal, an estimated 36,000 ships pass its coastline each year.

It was in this fortunate position that Master Divers was founded in 1978 by Mr Ariyaseela Wickramanayake.

Starting out as an underwater project specialist in a marine services sector then dominated by companies

from overseas, it stood out as the only operation 100% owned by Sri Lankans and training and employing

only local talent.

7

SVITZER WELCOMES ARRIVAL OF NEW TUGS IN THE BAHAMAS AND DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Svitzer and Damen started to work more closely together in 2007 when the Maersk Group towage

specialist acquired Adsteam in Australia, which was the largest harbour, terminal and offshore towage

operator in the country. Until that time Svitzer, which boasts a fleet of some 430 vessels, had largely

preferred to focus on building its own designs.

Marinus Lorwa, Chief Operating Officer of Svitzer Caribbean, comments: “Adsteam

was really when we were first introduced to Damen designs. We had been used to

building our own vessel designs, but I think we became more open to working with

specialist shipyards.”

“Our relationship has developed a lot over the years and we are still working on

strengthening it,” adds Kristian Brauner, Svitzer Chief Technical Officer.

Approximately 15% of the fleet is made up of Damen vessels, a mix of newbuild

and second-hand vessels. “Svitzer generates its ‘baseline’ fleet with many vessels

under construction worldwide, but working with Damen enables us to react to

opportunities in the market, and helps us cope with demand.”

“Damen is very qualified to make vessels that fit into our operation. This gives us

business opportunities and means we can move at short notice. Therefore, we

regularly review Damen’s building programme and see if its assets will create a

business opportunity for us.”

Total Cost of Ownership

He outlines why Svitzer chooses Damen vessels. “I think for us it is the quality of the

build. They have a good track record and have powerful tugs, which is necessary as

the demand on bollard pull requirements continually increases as vessels get even

bigger. But at the same time, Damen has rather compact vessels, which can operate

in confined areas.”

However, Total Cost of Ownership is the overriding factor when it comes to making

new investments for the Group. “Damen doesn’t just consider the vessel until it is

sold, it knows that the vessels must run efficiently for the next 30 years. They don’t

aim to build the asset as cheap as possible and then once it is sold wash their hands

of it. Svitzer too, is always looking to improve the total lifetime costs – from the

cradle to the grave. This is very important for us.”

These considerations played a role in the latest Damen acquisitions – an ASD Tug

2310 and ASD Tug 2411, which entered service in the Bahamas last year. These two

tugs also represent the first direct orders from Svitzer USA in Miami.

Mr Lorwa explains: “In the Bahamas we had an agreement with the Grand Bahama

Port Authority that we should deliver a new 65 tonnes tug and a smaller 45 tonnes

bollard pull vessel for assisting in its drydock. And we needed a solution rather

quickly. Jan van Hogerwou, Damen’s Manager North America, promised that he

could get two suitable vessels and he kept his word!”

The ASD Tug 2310 named Svitzer Yuma and the ASD Tug 2411 Svitzer Freeport were

delivered at the same time in August 2015.

“As soon as they arrived the locals were raving about the tugs. Our original vessel

was quite large at 30 metres but the ASD Tug 2411 Svitzer Freeport is only 24

metres, so it is a very compact harbour tug but still powerful and manoeuvrable -

exactly what the pilots want!

Marinus Lorwa

Chief Operating Officer – Americas Region, Svitzer

Kristian Brauner

Chief Technical Officer,Svitzer

8

“Her little sister too, has been an enormous success. The ASD Tug 2310 is

primarily used for assisting in the Grand Bahama Shipyard’s Freeport drydock.”

Damen also came up with a very good solution for this vessel, stresses Mr

Lorwa. “We needed modifications to the propulsion system so when she

was idle she made as little wash as possible. Damen made this happen and

fitted the new system before delivery.”

“The Bahamas vessels are not standard – we continually drive to improve

our operational performance by looking at the TCO and seeing where

we can improve in the building process. I can’t reveal everything, but to

give an example, we fit offline filtration units to keep reliability up and a

lot of redundant equipment. Reliability is key and that’s why we work with

Damen,” emphasises Mr Brauner.

“For me as a Chief Operating Officer, it is important that a shipyard takes

good care of its customers and this continues after the sale”, Mr Lorwa

says. “There is always someone you can call if you have a question. I have

worked with several yards and this is not always the case.”

Familiarisation training was carried out in the Bahamas. “There are always

little start-up issues of course but Damen was outstanding, nothing was too

much trouble. For example, our crew is used to US mountings and there

was some difficultly changing some light fittings but the Damen technicians

showed them how it was done. They gladly helped us.”

Cheaper operational costs

Svitzer now has six tugs in the Bahamas and the company can make a good

comparison with its existing vessels, he says. “The Damen vessels are more

cost effective in operational costs in all kinds of ways. They have realised a

significant reduction.”

This then triggered the Danish company to order four more tugs. As part

of an ongoing vessel renewal programme, Svitzer needed tugs for the

Dominican Republic where it serves eight ports with an 18-strong fleet in a

joint venture with Remolcadores Dominicanos.

Tractor Tugs for Dominican Republic

The four, 65 tonnes bollard pull ATD Tugs 2412 are being built at Damen

Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam and because Damen builds for stock, the

first two can be delivered just a month after they were ordered.

“This is a fantastic buy. We wanted Tractor Tugs because they have to work

under the huge flares of the container vessels, which are getting even

larger. With other tugs there is always a risk of damage to the mast. With

the ATD Tugs we are working from the aft deck. They are much better for

container terminals.”

The first two - Svitzer Maimon and Svitzer Beata - will arrive in the

Dominican Republic in May 2016. Where they will be deployed at the

Caucedo container terminal. And because of strong growth, it is not

certain whether the next two will be sent straight there or to another

contract in Europe.

Svitzer Americas is very positive about the future, Mr Lorwa stresses. “We

are constantly looking at new projects. I think we have positioned ourselves

pretty well and have 12 tugs under construction presently. This is all

about growth. Rather than dwell on the oil crisis, people here are very

enthusiastic and positive. And they keep on winning new projects!”Marinus Lorwa

Chief Operating Officer – Americas Region, Svitzer

9

ASD TUG 3010 ICE JOINS JSC VOSTOCHNY PORT TO SUPPORT FUTURE EXPANSION PLANS

JSC Vostochny Port invested in a Damen ASD Tug 3010

ICE this time, adding to a Damen ASD Tug 2810 ICE,

which joined the fleet in late 2012. The latest addition

to the fleet – named Ural - is the most powerful tug in

the fleet, with 60 tonnes bollard pull. Named ‘The best

stevedore company in Russia' in 2015, JSC Vostochny

Port mainly handles coal mined in the Kuzbass region.

Last year 98% of the coal was exported, while the

volume of coastal coal amounted to 2%.

JSC Vostochny Port includes two handling complexes. Established in 1978, the first

complex is the only one in the Primorsky region with a conveyor system and rail wagon

discharge station. It is almost fully automated and has a handling capacity of 14.2

million tonnes per year.

Several vessels of 150,000 dwt can be simultaneously loaded at the jetty of the coal

complex. It also has four warehouses with a 600,000 tonnes capacity each and they can

store up to 30 coal grades at the same time.

The second facility is the Universal Handling Complex and it specialises in clamshell coal

transhipment and has a production capacity of 3 million tonnes per year.

The Universal handling facility has 13 gantry cranes and three loading bridges. Loading

is performed at four berths at a quay of almost 800 metres total length and it can

receive vessels of 70,000 tonnes dwt. It has storage capacity of 250,000 tonnes

10

Investment programme

Over the last few years the port has embarked on a major investment programme. In

2012, JSC Vostochny Port started the construction of the third stage of the coal-

handling complex.

On completion, this will include the construction of a berth with two shiploaders, a rail-

wagon discharge station, four additional coal warehouses, which will provide a storage

for about 800,000 tonnes of coal, and these will be equipped with two stackers and four

reclaimers. Upon completion of the new coal complex in 2020, annual transhipment

volumes are expected to reach 39 million tonnes.

2015 saw another successful year and the Russian port managed to maintain its position

as the largest coal port in the country and even to surpass a strong performance in 2014.

Last year JSC Vostochny Port handled nearly 22.8 million tonnes of coal products and

this was almost one million tonnes up on 2014 levels.

High performance

JSC Vostochny Port Managing Director, Mr Anatoliy Lazarev comments: “It became

possible to achieve such high performance figures due to a number of measures

adopted in 2015. The purchase of new handling equipment, key changes in cargo

logistics and several competent management solutions contributed to the perfect

result and enabled us to maintain our status as the largest national coal terminal.”

He adds that the port company became interested in Damen, ‘as the leader of the

shipbuilding industry’, some 15 years ago. And the first contract for the construction of

a tug was concluded in 2011 when the shareholders decided to invest in the

modernisation of JSC Vostochny Port’s fleet.

Price-quality ratio

“JSC Vostochny Port works with the best. And Damen combines the best price-quality

ratio and rather fast building terms, has a shipyard in China that means a shorter stretch

for us, and uses innovative technologies for tug building, which takes into account all

the global trends in the shipbuilding industry.”

Ural is a powerful ice-class tug, which is suitable for the harshest Arctic climate.

Mr Lazarev adds: “Although our bay almost never freezes in winter, we still decided

to purchase this class of tug. Ural can work both on mooring vessels and as an

emergency response vessel in the Vrangel Bay and neighbouring bays.”

Thanks to the powerful engines and modern equipment, the tug has decreased the

time it takes to handle large vessels considerably, he stresses. “On average, after the

arrival of the new tug, the fleet can carry out two more mooring operations per day.

More powerful tugs with automated control systems reduces the time of mooring

operations and also limits the time crew have to be present on deck during more

dangerous operations, minimising potential HR risks.”

Cargo turnover increasing

Currently, JSC Vostochny Port is the largest coal stevedoring company in the Russian

Federation and it plans to maintain this leading position and even increase its market

share. “So, the development of auxiliary units, such as the port fleet, directly affects the

turnover and the quality of our services, therefore modernising and expanding is one of

the priority tasks of our company.”

Upgrading and renewing equipment leads to an increase in turnover, expands the

range and improves the quality of our services, he says.

The stevedoring company operates a fleet consisting of three powerful ship-handling

tugs, an azimuth tugboat and an estuary launch.

As well as mooring operations for JSC Vostochny Port, the fleet carries out work for

third-party contracts, with the tugboats operating in Vrangel Bay, Kozmino Bay and

Nakhodka Bay. “These services are always in demand with customers, as cargo turnover

between Russia and the Asian-Pacific countries keeps growing and the number of

vessels calling at Primorye ports increases every year.”

JSC Vostochny Port plans to continue the modernisation of the port fleet.

Mr Lazarev continues: "We have a cargo base. We have contracts with cargo owners in

the Russian energy sector for a few years ahead and most of this coal is going to the

Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, we have already signed contracts for the terminal under

construction – the third stage of JSC Vostochny Port."

“We are sure that the Russian stevedoring business has plenty of opportunities for

growth and development. What could be better than working with partners who are

constantly looking for ways to offer something new - work involving non-standard and

tailored solutions for clients. That is why we work with companies like Damen!”

Anatoliy Lazarev

Managing Director,JSC Vostochny Port

“On average, after the arrival

of the new tug, the fleet can

carry out two more mooring

operations per day.”

11

DAMEN SONG CAM SHIPYARD PRODUCING 30 TOP QUALITY VESSELS ANNUALLY JUST TWO YEARS AFTER OPENING

Officially inaugurated on March 20, 2014, Damen Song Cam Shipyard is one of

the largest in the group and it is Damen’s first formal joint venture yard in Vietnam.

Damen has a 70% share and Song Cam Shipbuilding Joint Stock Company, which is

a member of Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC), owns the remainder. Located

just outside the city centre of Hai Phong, at Hoang Dong commune, the shipyard has

direct access to open sea and is based on a 42-hectare site, of which 500 metres is

directly alongside the River Cam.

Designed to meet the strictest European health, safety and environmental standards,

Damen Song Cam Shipyard has already been accredited with ISO 9001, 14001 and

18001 and has recently been awarded ‘Grade A’ after going through the extremely

tough JH143 Survey. Leading operators such as A.P. Møller-Maersk have also

audited the shipyard and have been satisfied that it meets their stringent HSEQ

requirements.

Chris Groninger, Managing Director of the yard comments: “We are well on track

with our 3 year plan to become a mature operating company. In our first year, we

started with some 150 people and managed to complete five vessels, but in the

second this increased to 15 plus and now in 2016, we employ 700 people and will

achieve 30 vessels.”

The shipyard is building a long series of the ASD Tug 2810 (later to be replaced by

ASD Tug 2811), ASD Tug 3212, ATD Tug 2412 and Fast Crew Supplier 4008. “The aim

is to build these long series of our standard vessels, to become a true specialist - the

centre of excellence for workboats.”

As Damen Song Cam Shipyard is focused on being a series producer everything

revolves around efficiency. The shipbuilding hall (120 metres in length x 85 metres) is

actually a dedicated outfitting hall, with three overhead cranes of 25 tonnes capacity

each over every bay. There are also working platforms at 5 metre and 8 metre levels,

including stores, offices, swing arms and utility connections. The platforms enable

employees to work very close to the main deck of the vessels. Swing arms on the top

of the vessels give access to power, oxygen and compressed air. “Components can be

stored on the platforms so outfitters don’t need to climb up and down. Everything is

to hand, making the whole production process more efficient.”

A Rolls-Royce Syncrolift® shiplift, with a platform of 60 metres in length by 24 metres,

is also on site. Chris explains: “Outfitting is carried out in the hall, avoiding the rain

but also the Sun, which is very important in this part of world as it can be extremely

hot and humid. We create optimal conditions for building. And having a covered

paint shop is quite special amongst Asian yards. This controlled environment is vital to

bring down the humidity and guarantee top quality paintwork. It is fair to say that the

painting of these vessels is pretty much yacht quality.”

Chris Groninger

Managing Director,Damen Song Cam Shipyard

Just two years after opening, Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam is firmly established and already building

30 top quality vessels a year. Specialising in vessels up to 60 metres in length, the yard produces tugboats and

high speed craft such as Fast Crew Supply and Stan Patrol vessels.

12

MULTRASHIP'S LATEST FLEET ADDITIONS BUILT IN VIETNAM

The 75 metre long paint shop can handle four vessels at the same time, with two

bays, divided into four sections. All bays include ventilation, filters and heating.

One of the bays is dedicated for blasting, and includes a dust collector and wall

protection.

Damen Song Cam Shipyard is continuing with its ambitious growth plans and is

aiming to increase employee numbers to 800 and produce 40 vessels a year from

2017. The yard also has plenty of room for future expansion.

“At the moment the market is challenging but we have a good orderbook for the

coming year. And when things pick up again, we can start to realise our aim of

building 80 vessels a year here.

“Certainly by the end of 2016, I think we will have achieved our three-year plan,

and I believe we can be proud to be producing 40 vessels a year of top quality.”

Adrie de Witte, Technical Superintendent at leading towage and salvage

specialist Multraship, has spent several months at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in

Vietnam supervising the build of four tugs.

Headquartered in Terneuzen in the Netherlands, Multraship operates in ports around

the Scheldt estuary at Zeeland Seaports and in Gent, Antwerp and the Bulgarian

port of Burgas. Over the past few years the Dutch family-owned company has

embarked on an ambitious fleet expansion programme and many of its vessels – 13

at the last count - have been built at Damen shipyards. This includes ASD Tugs, Multi

Cats, Fast Rescue Tenders and two Stan Launches 804.

In Vietnam, two Damen ASD Tugs 3212 and two ASD Tugs 2810 were built in 2015

and 2016 respectively. The Damen Song Cam Shipyard orders followed the delivery

of an ASD Tug 2810 Hybrid and an ASD Tug 3212, Multratug 19, which was delivered

in 2012.

Mr De Witte, who is also a Chief Engineer and Captain, comments: “The vessels are

built to the same Damen standard that they would be in the Netherlands. Of course,

there are always things that can be improved but Damen Song Cam Shipyard is a

new shipyard and Damen is working hard on this. These things take time. And the

Vietnamese and Dutch people work very well together.”

The two Damen ASD Tugs 3212 sister vessels were delivered in the summer of 2015

and are now operational in Rotterdam and Terneuzen. The tugs have a bollard pull

of 83.2 tonnes and a maximum speed of 13.4 knots. The 453gt vessels are powered

by two Caterpillar 3516C engines and have two Rolls-Royce azimuth thrusters and a

2,800 mm diameter controllable pitch propeller.

Mr De Witte says: “We also added all of the options on the vessels including FiFi-1

fire-fighting equipment, an aft winch, bilge water separator and we decided to have

a heating system that is not run directly from the electricity.”

Mr De Witte is just back from Nigeria where he was responsible for the

commissioning of the two new Vietnam-built ASD Tugs 2810. These vessels will be

deployed by CTOW, a joint venture between DEME, Herbosch Kiere and Multraship

at the Bonny Island LNG terminal. As well as firefighting equipment, the tugs have oil

dispersant capabilities.

“The great advantage of Damen is that it has tugs in stock, which means we can

move quickly if we see an opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Multraship, through its subsidiary Novatug BV, has commissioned the

construction of two pioneering Carrousel Rave Tugs (CRTs) from Damen. Delivery of

the Bureau Veritas-classed vessels is scheduled for the first-half of 2017.

Adrie de Witte

Technical Superintendent,Multraship Towage & Salvage

1313

One of today’s leading maritime service providers in the region began life as Bin Nowiran Establishment (BNE). Founded in 1970 by Mr Ahmed Bin Nowiran, who remains the Chairman to this day, in 1978 it began its activities in the marine industry, providing a variety of services to the oil companies operating in the Divided Zone’s coastal waters between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Over time it grew in size and reputation to become one of the most prestigious and reliable contractors engaged in a range of ventures and contracts across the region.

In 2009, in recognition of the extent of its operations and experience, Bin Nowiran Establishment was renamed Bin Nowiran for Trading & Contracting Co. Ltd (BINCO). The previous 39 years has seen Mr Ahmed Bin Nowiran create one of the leading organisations in the field of marine contracting and engineering services with added particular specialisations in building tanks and pipelines, and general mechanical and electrical contracts. However, the main focus of business remains marine contracting.

Its vision remains constant with a goal of maintaining and expanding its leadership position in marine contracting and other associated business across Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Its mission is to achieve this through delivering to its clients and business partners the highest possible level of services within a business environment that it recognises as constantly changing and developing.

This goal is to be achieved through BINCO’s organisational and logistical capabilities, and the quality of the people and equipment that it employs. For its port operations it maintains a fleet of vessels for towage, mooring, crew supply, security and other services that are vital to its customers. As part of its objectives to maintain the standards of its service, in 2013 BINCO entered negotiations with Damen to purchase a total of seven new vessels across five types.

The contract was signed on the 1st of October, 2013, during the Seatrade Middle East Workboat & Offshore Marine exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and was the latest stage in a longstanding relationship between the two companies. The purpose behind this

SAUDI ARABIA’S BINCO INVESTS FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM

With the Red Sea to its west and the Arabian Gulf to its east, the Kingdom of Saudi

Arabia has a long and honourable tradition of seafaring. This has continued into the 21st

century with the country boasting a sophisticated maritime infrastructure. This is

supported by many specialist companies that serve its extensive offshore industry

together with the many vessels that move large quantities of people and cargo each year.

Ahmed Bin Nowiran

Chairman,BINCO

14

SAUDI ARABIA’S BINCO INVESTS FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM

large-scale purchase was to strengthen BINCO’s fleet and scope of services provided to Saudi Arabian Chevron and other business partners in the region.

The order comprised of two Damen ASD Tugs 2810, two Damen Stan Tugs 1606, a Damen Fast Crew Supplier 1204, a Crane Barge 4920 and a Damen Anti-Pollution Barge 2405. In effect an entire fleet capable of fulfilling many of the requirements of its demanding customers. Work began immediately on the builds, continued throughout 2014 until finally, between April and June 2015, all the vessels were delivered. All are named Sarah, with numeral designations from 11 to 17.

It was Damen’s ability to deliver such a diverse range of vessels within a single package that helped close the deal with BINCO. The group’s ability to offer after-sales services and life-time support on a global basis was another factor. The new assets are now fully operational in the Arabian Gulf, playing their part in helping BINCO achieve its objectives for the years ahead and, in their own small way, continuing the tradition of Saudi Arabian seafaring into the new millennium.

15

SOUTH AFRICAN NAVY SEES THE BENEFITS OF POWERFUL NEW ATD TUGS

Two of the South African Navy’s existing harbour and coastal tugs, De Neys and De Mist, built in 1969 and 1978 respectively, were due for renewal. Therefore in December 2012, the Armaments Corporation of South Africa Ltd (ARMSCOR), the armaments procurement agency of the South African Department of Defence, issued a public tender for the tugs together with full integrated logistic support.

“After an extensive adjudication process an order was placed with Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) in December 2013,” says Danie Terblanche, ARMSCOR Project Manager.

The new tugs have to be able to assist the South African Navy’s current and future fleet under all-weather, heavy sea, restricted visibility, day and night conditions within the confines of the ports and in coastal waters.

As the South African Navy takes delivery of a second

Damen ATD Tug 2909, Project Officer Commander

Hermann van Geems says the two powerful new tugs

are already proving beneficial for harbour operations.

This government contract, whereby the vessels had to

be built in South Africa, also saw local content levels

way above expectations.

16

Proven designCommander Van Geems comments: “The offered Damen ATD Tug 2909 complied with our specification requirements - the size of the vessel, bollard pull, firefighting capacity and towage capability. Coupled with this, this type could take a larger crew complement, which is important for the Navy. They have a crew of 10 but should be able to accommodate 12 when needed.

“We were looking for a proven design and a commercial off-the-shelf product. Damen Shipyards Cape Town’s bid scored on all these points and this was combined with the right contract price.”

“The Simon’s Town Naval Harbour is known to be restricted and has very strong south-easterly winds which means that the right tug had to have a much higher bollard pull than the existing tugs. The two new vessels have 44 tonnes compared to the older tugs of 18-20 tonnes. These older vessels will be retired in May.”

“The Naval Harbour Master says harbour operations have become much easier with the two new tugs. The first ATD Tug 2909 named Imvubu – meaning Hippo – was delivered in July 2015 and the second Inyathi - meaning buffalo - was welcomed into the naval fleet with a traditional sail past from the South African Navy’s existing six tugs, on February 4th this year.”

Handling larger vessels“They have definitely benefitted the naval fleet. Their powerful bollard pull means they are able to bring larger vessels into the harbour and vessel moves are much easier. For example, they are handling our four frigates, the 12,500 tonnes displacement supply ship SAS Drakensberg, and also vessels from visiting foreign navies.”

The compact and proven Damen ATD Tug 2909 design is known for its excellent manoeuvrability, high indirect towing forces and stability. It has a bollard pull of 43 tonnes, length of 28.74 metres, beam of 9.98 metres, a maximum speed of 13.4 knots. The vessel has a propulsion system of two Caterpillar 3512C HD engines with a total power of 3,000 kW at 1,600 rpm, coupled to two Rolls-Royce US 205 azimuth thrusters with controllable pitch propellers. These robust vessels are equipped with extra plate thickness, rigid foundations, brackets and heavy duty fendering.

Commander Van Geems says that the crew are also delighted. “The transitions from tugs that are 40 plus years old have given them completely different working conditions, and they are in awe of these new vessels!” During the overall 26-month build period, Commander Van Geems, Mr Terblanche and a naval Platform Manager/Engineer were stationed at DSCT.

Damen also provided on board familiarisation training as well as arranging operator/maintainer courses on selected systems and equipment, inter alia Rolls-Royce thruster training programme in Finland for the crew and dockyard support personnel.

Superior product“It was also gratifying that these vessels were built entirely by a South African workforce and that this helps to maintain local job opportunities,” he adds.

Mr Terblanche stresses that ARMSCOR was hoping that 50% local content would be achievable but eventually it was actually 65%. “Damen assisted us to boost the content levels considerably and we were very happy with the outcome.”

Reflecting on the process, Commander Van Geems concludes: “From our side, we are very happy, the project was on budget and on time. The build was a very smooth process, with the collaboration between the shipyard, Armscor and Navy working perfectly. And this has ultimately enabled us to have a superior product.”

This was not the first time the South African Navy had experience with Damen vessels. The SA Navy previously acquired two Damen designed Stan Tugs that were built under licence by Farocean Marine, which was subsequently bought by Damen in 2007.

From left to right: WO1 J. Stewart, Project Engineer/Build Manager Project CanterMr D. Terblanche, Project Manager: Naval Systems Cdr W.H. van Geems, Project Officer Project Canter

17

P&O REPASA EXPANSION IN WEST AFRICA

P&O Repasa is a new company, but one with roots

that go back a long way. Repasa in its original form

was founded in Tarragona, Spain, with the objective

of supporting the local REPSOL oil refinery with

towage services. It began operations in 1980 with

just two vessels.

In an interview with Mr Iñigo Garcia, Managing Director of P&O Repasa, he outlined

how in 2003 the company made the decision to expand outside its local area and

elected to move into providing services directly to the exploration and production

sector in the oil & gas industry. Its first vessel to work in this new market was delivered in

2005 and put into service in the North Sea. Another seven then followed over the next 5

years and were deployed in the same area.

With North Sea oil production maturing, in 2008 Repasa began looking for new

opportunities further afield and the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa was

identified as having the best potential for sustained growth. The first contract to be

signed there was with Total in the Republic of Cameroon, providing support to a FSO,

and thereafter two additional contracts were signed with Total Nigeria, along with

additional assignments in Congo and Sierra Leone.

Milestone contract with Marathon Oil

In mid-2014, Repasa won a major, long-term contract with Marathon Oil to support its

LNG production facility on Bioko Island, off the coast of Guinea. This was a significant

milestone for Repasa that required the deployment of seven vessels. Operations

started in October 2014 and since then have been going very smoothly. At the end of

2015 it also won another contract with Marathon Oil that required two Fast Support

Intervention Vessels. These began operations in December. In all, nine vessels are

currently supporting the LNG plant, with an additional vessel in Congo working for

Technip.

18

GEARING UP FOR THE FUTURE A new IMO Tier III compliant Stan Tug 1606

Damen’s Stan Tugs have a long history – today’s designs are based on knowledge,

experience and customer feedback. Vessel design is always evolving due to changing

market demands and customer requirements. One of Damen’s newest Stan Tug 1606

vessels with twin D16 MH/1 Volvo engines reflects the importance of reducing fuel

emissions and compliance with international regulations. This vessel meets the IMO’s

Tier III/EPA 3 regulations that apply to vessels with keels laid on or after 1 January 2016

operating in Canadian, American and Caribbean (including Puerto Rico and US Virgin

Islands) waters.

Key changes

From the outside, you probably will not be able to see much of a difference. It looks like

a standard Stan Tug 1606 fit for various towing, mooring, pushing and survey

operations. It’s what’s on the inside that counts – that is where you can find the most

important changes. There are those two Volvo D16 MH/1 main engines combined with

a compact exhaust gas treatment system. This means that the vessel delivers 16 tonnes

of bollard pull while fully complying with IMO Tier III regulations. More specifically,

using Selective Catalytic Reduction techniques, this Stan Tug 1606 achieves significant

reductions in SOX and PM and up to a 70% reduction in NOX emissions.

Target market

Due to the new IMO regulations, this Stan Tug 1606 is ideally suited for the North

American market. Moreover, operators outside this region who are looking to

significantly reduce their NOX emissions will also be interested in the advantages that

this vessel can offer. The vessel is ready for immediate delivery. Currently fitted out to

standard specifications, numerous customised modifications such as an hydraulic crane,

capstan, FiFi equipment or winches are possible.

Íñigo García

Managing Director,P&O Repasa

Today the company operates a total of 14 vessels. These cover a variety of classes

including anchor handling and ASD Tugs, anchor handling tug suppliers and FSIVs.

Three of these vessels have been built by Damen. In October 2014, two Stan Tugs 1606

named Red Ant and Red Bee were delivered to Guinea. Working as a pair, their main

role is line handling, and they were delivered just two months after the contract was

signed. The third Damen vessel is the FCS/FSIV 5009 Red Eagle, delivered in December

last year. She is configured to ferry personnel and equipment, and to supply drinking

water and fuel, to offshore rigs and platforms. Special features added included FiFi-1, a

hydraulic crane and reefer plugs. A fast rescue craft is also mounted on a davit for rapid

launch and recovery, along with transfer pumps for the supply of fuel and drinking water.

While the FCS 5009 class can take up to 80 personnel, the Red Eagle is configured for 50.

P&O Maritime

In September 2014, leading offshore services provider P&O Maritime took a majority

stake in Repasa, and the company was subsequently renamed P&O Repasa. Seen as a

win-win agreement by both sides, the objective of the deal is to leverage their

combined strengths, raise SHEQ standards and awareness, expand the vessel fleet and

deliver a unique offshore marine service proposition to support the global energy

industry. As such, the new company now has access to greater resources that will

enable it to capitalise on its experience and expertise, with the focus remaining on

towage, escort, assistance and offshore supply.

The strategy is to continue the focus on oil & gas operations in West Africa and the

Mediterranean, seeking growth opportunities and in particular building on its track

record in supporting LNG operations.

Damen wishes Mr Garcia and P&O Repasa every success in this new phase for the

company, and looks forward to working with him and his team again in the future.

19

NEW STAN LAUNCH SERIES EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF THE RENOWNED PUSHY CATJUST TURN THE KEY AND GO!

Coen Boudesteijn

Product Director Tugs,Damen

Damen’s Stan Launch range has its

roots firmly based in the renowned

and proven Pushy Cat 42, which

was originally designed by our

Chairman Kommer Damen in the

late sixties.

Being one of the first Damen designs, the company has

effectively built hundreds of these vessels over the decades,

even though the name was changed to Stan Launch in

recent years, when the series was introduced in 2014.

Damen Product Director Tugs and Workboats, Mr Coen

Boudesteijn, who celebrates his 40th year at the company

this year, explains: “The development of smaller

workboats has a long history at our company and these

are something Damen has built its reputation on. The

Pushy Cat is really a phenomena and the original version -

the Pushy Cat 42 - is renowned for quality, reliability and

robustness.”

“Damen Product Group Tugs has focused on improving

the smaller workboats, components and systems

inherent in the Pushy Cat 42 and these have been

introduced in the new Stan Launch range, which

followed on from the Pushy Cat.”

‘My First Damen’

“Today’s Stan Launch vessels are still ‘My First Damen’,

being an ideal entry level for customers choosing a tug or

workboat. Iconic, green, safe, robust, multi-role, cheap

to build, quick and easy to transport and deliver, easy to

operate, easy to maintain and efficient”.

With more than 40 years’ experience and expertise

behind the three Stan Launch types, the vessels are

designed to be strong, highly manoeuvrable and easily

manageable for a one or two-man crew.

The Stan Launch range was officially introduced in 2014

with the Stan Launch 804. Nowadays Damen has three in

the series, the 804, 1004 and the 1305, which are 8, 10

and 13 metres respectively. They are all compact and

powerful ranging from 90-220 kW, and are able to

achieve 8 to 9 knots comfortably.

The Stan Launch 804, 1004 and 1305 are single-screw

tugs and have full, electronically-controlled Volvo D5, D7

and D9 main engines and Twin Disc gearboxes. The

Volvos have the proven Damen closed cooling system,

with cooling channels outside the bottom plating,

making them fit even for tropical conditions

One-man operation

With a heavy-duty bronze propeller, stainless steel shaft,

water-lubricated aft and grease-lubricated fore bearing,

these vessels have a modern propulsion system, with

rudder angles of 60 degrees, making it possible to turn

the vessel on its place. “They have heavily constructed

hulls and very good manoeuvrability,” adds Coen.

“These are proven for tough conditions. We understand

that they have to be suited for a one man operation -

skippers that don’t have lot of crew handling mooring

lines, but instead do the mooring themselves. They have

to be versatile.” Thanks to the double turbos, the

acceleration of these modern vessels is also very fast. A

bow thruster improves the manoeuvrability at low speed.

However, Coen continues: “They don’t have huge

engines, but they are efficient and produce a significant

speed. And the beauty is that they have very low fuel

consumption compared to ‘dedicated’ tugboats, which

of course facilitates low emissions, reduced CO2, NOX

etc. If you don’t need more horsepower, why not go for a

smaller, more economical vessel?”

These versatile, compact vessels are truly able to multi-

task, suited for towing, mooring, line handling,

passenger transport, surveying and pilotage. They are

deployed in several sectors - by dredging companies,

port authorities, oil refineries and for crew transport, line

handling and other activities where a large vessel is

unnecessary.

When big is not necessarily better

Both the fore and aft decks have as few obstacles as

possible to obtain the maximum amount of space for

safe working conditions. The series has been equipped

with fixed, all round, rubber D-fendering, rather than

tyres. With lifting lugs, the vessels are also quick and easy

to transport and deliver.

Ergonomics and the comfort of the crew and skipper are

always a fundamental part of any Damen design. The

wheelhouse is mounted on rubber shock absorbers and

together with the modern linings and extra insulating

material, they were absolutely free of vibrations and have

an extremely low noise level of just 55 dBA. The

wheelhouse and additional living space below deck are

fully air-conditioned and heated. Given that they are

ideal for a one-man operation, the vessels have

excellent, all-round visibility and the Stan Launch

Standard is equipped with a compass, GPS, echo-

sounder, VHF radio, modern LED navigation lights,

towing and pilot lights. A modern alarm system for the

main engines and gearboxes is included, as well as bilge

water sensors, WT door and escape hatch alarms and fire

detection alarms.

Easy crew transfer

Again, Damen has thought carefully about the deck layout

and the towing equipment. The vessels have a well-

shaped bulwark, making it easy for the crew to walk

around, for pilots or crew transfers, and to step safely from

one vessel to another, especially given the open gangway.

Crew benches are provided on the aft deck.

The vessels are classified by Bureau Veritas and fit for the

safety requirements of major flag states. A hand railing is

provided for extra safety. “You can always have one hand

for yourself and one for the ship!” From the wheelhouse,

the skipper can also gain direct access to the aft deck.

And on deck the hull connections are very sturdy, with

extra knees to absorb any impact and limit damage. A

modern, high quality epoxy paint system and many

stainless steel details guarantee optimal corrosion

protection and easy maintenance.

In stock

“They are suitable for many different jobs, when a big,

high-powered vessel is not needed. The Stan Launch is

an efficient tool, with low fuel consumption yet able to

achieve 8 to 9 knots. This is a proven and efficient

product. Every harbour still needs small boats!

“Damen has not forgotten its roots. Essentially these are

robust, practical vessels. There are no headaches - you

turn the key and go!”

The three Stan Launch sizes, just like the successful ASD

Tug Series, are built for stock. And importantly, these

hard working harbour tools are not only fuel efficient;

they are also competitively priced.

20

Any moment now Saam Smit

Towage Panama Inc. will take

delivery of an ASD Tug 2913,

giving the company an 11-strong

fleet of Damen vessels. The

company’s Panama operation is

believed to be unique in the world,

with a fleet made up entirely of

Damen vessels.

The latest addition – SST Rambala – is considered vital to

help the company serve its clients in the post-Panamax

era and particularly given the challenges of Atlantic

waters.

Saam Smit Towage is a joint venture between Royal

Boskalis Westminster N.V. from the Netherlands

(Boskalis) and Sociedad Matriz Saam S.A. from Chile

(Saam). Currently, the company operates in four

countries - Mexico, Panama, Brazil and Canada.

The company has had a strong presence in Canada,

particularly along the British Columbia coast, since 2000

when it acquired the marine assets of Rivtow Marine Inc.,

including the tug and barge operations.

Saam Smit Towage Canada now has a mixture of 21

conventional and ASD Tugs operating along the BC

Coast, where it provides harbour towage and escort

services in seven ports. The company carries out ship

assistance, harbour towage and tanker escorts. In

Canada too, Saam Smit Towage has several Damen tugs

including three Damen ASD Tugs 3111 and two Damen

ASD Tugs 2810.

And in Panama, the company has a presence in ports on

both the Pacific and Atlantic sides of the Panama Canal.

Walter van der Dussen, General Manager, Saam Smit

Towage Panama Inc., explains: “We needed a tug on the

Atlantic with more power for the neo-Panamax ships

entering the breakwaters at Manzanillo International

Terminal and Colon Container Terminal. These vessels

need to get through them at a certain speed but there

are strong currents in the area, so the larger and more

powerful Damen ASD Tug 2913 is essentially being used

as a brake, to take the speed off as vessels enter the

harbour.”

The tug was bought directly from Damen stock and is

already equipped for LNG applications and has FiFi-1.

Saam Smit Towage also decided to acquire the vessel

because of the fast delivery times that were possible and

because it is pretty much customised to the Saam Smit

specifications already. Mr Van der Dussen comments:

“Actually Damen vessels are always close to our own

specifications, given Damen’s long relationship with Smit

Harbour Towage, the Towage Division of Royal Boskalis

Westminster.”

Quality is vitally important for the towage operator.

Mr Van der Dussen stresses: “We have to make sure

customers are satisfied with our service levels and that’s

why we want quality vessels. If you have technical

problems for example, the availability of the tug may be

disrupted which could cause delays for our customers

endangering their network integrity. With Damen vessels

we know we are getting good quality.”

Saam Smit Towage also has a standardisation strategy.

“In Panama we have Damen vessels, the same engine

design, thrusters…This makes it much easier on the

technical management side, as well as for the crews to

train and operate.”

At the moment five Damen ASD Tugs 2810 are operating

in Balboa and the company deploys Damen ASD Tugs

2810 and Damen ASD Tugs 3110 at the Manzanillo

International Terminal. “Here there are several jetties

very close together so manoeuvring space is more

limited, therefore a more compact tug is necessary.”

Mr Van der Dussen sees some developments coming up

in Panama despite the slump in the oil price.

Close to Balboa is the former Rodman US navy base, of

which part is now operated by PSA International and its

JV partner. Known as the PSA Panama International

Terminal, expansion and dredging on new post-Panamax

berths has started. Additionally, there may also be new

terminals in the region, for instance for mining or LNG

projects, he adds.

And regarding developments at the Panama Canal, he

comments: “There are of course, bigger vessels coming

due to the expansion of the Panama Canal but there will

be fewer of them. Panama container terminals do

approximately 95% transshipment. However, bigger

vessels might also mean more feeders.

“There are always opportunities for growth, although we

realise the maritime industry is dealing with overcapacity

and diminishing freight rates and this also results in

continued pressure on the rates. We do have a strong

position in the markets we are in. But there is also

increasing pressure from competition. We will see a

further consolidation in our industry. So we need to

continue to offer a strong and reliable service to our

customers in order to counter that pressure and be the

preferred towage operator.”

And once the new tug arrives an existing Damen tug will

move to Saam Smit Towage Mexico to replace an older,

conventional Damen tug.

Coen Boudesteijn

Product Director Tugs,Damen

SAAM SMIT TOWAGE TAKES DELIVERY OF ANOTHER DAMEN TUG TO TAKE ON CHALLENGING ATLANTIC WATERS

Walter van der Dussen

General Manager,Saam Smit Towage Panama

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The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) took

delivery of two of three Damen ASD Tugs

2810 Hybrid. Before the arrival of the

Hybrid, the RNLN had a fleet of five

conventional tugs in Den Helder. Four

conventional tugs will be replaced by

three ASD Tugs 2810 Hybrid to increase

the required bollard pull to tow new navy

ships such as the HNLMS Rotterdam, the

HNLMS Johan de Witt and others. These

tugs with integrated hybrid solutions fit

perfectly within the vision of the RNLN for

a sustainable future.

The RNLN was explicitly looking for a tug

with a proven design, which was very

environmentally friendly, as well as being

powerful enough to carry out heavy

operations.

The state-of-the-art ASD Tug 2810 Hybrid

has a hybrid propulsion system and is able

to sail on full electric power by means of a

battery set and also diesel-electric on the

generator set. The vessel has a length of

28 metres and is equipped with two

thrusters to create optimum

manoeuvrability. When full pull is

required, both main diesel engines are

engaged, giving a maximum bollard pull

of 60 tonnes, ensuring that all jobs can be

achieved successfully.

The first new tug named Noordzee was

sailed by the RNLN from Damen

Shipyards Galati in Romania to Den

Helder. The Waddenzee is currently

sailing the same route. The other hybrid

tug, the Zuiderzee, is expected to be

delivered in June this year.

MULTRASHIP AND DAMEN AGREE DEAL FOR TWO CARROUSEL RAVE TUGS

Leading towage and salvage specialist Multraship, through its subsidiary Novatug BV,

has commissioned the construction of two Carrousel Rave Tugs. These groundbreaking

vessels will provide tug operators with more power, freedom and durability, as well as

eliminating the risk of capsizing under a tow load.

Leendert Muller, Managing Director of Multraship, says, "Safety is always our overriding

objective, and that it is why we have opted wholeheartedly to produce the Novatug

CRT. This new tug design, for the first time, eliminates what has always been the most

significant threat to safety in towing – the risk of capsizing under a tow load. The

benefits in terms of efficiency and flexibility, meanwhile, are also enormous."

Delivery of the Bureau Veritas-classed vessels is scheduled for first-half 2017 following

an agreement between Novatug and Damen subsidiary Van der Velden Barkemeyer

GmbH. The hulls of the vessels will be built by Theodor Buschmann GmbH in Hamburg,

with final outfitting carried out by Damen Maaskant Shipyards in Stellendam, the

Netherlands.

The RAVE design was developed by renowned naval architecture consultancy Robert

Allan Ltd, in conjunction with Voith GmbH. The CRT vessels have an overall length of 32

metres and a bollard pull of a minimum of 70 tonnes. Propulsion is via two Voith thruster

units and two ABC main engines of 2,650 kW operating at 1000 rpm. Free running

speed is over 14 knots at 5,300 kW.

The Carrousel Rave Tug’s lower operational costs, speed of action and enhanced

control over the tow can provide huge advantages over conventional tugs.

ROYAL NETHERLANDS NAVY TAKES DELIVERY OF FIRST TWO DAMEN ASD TUGS 2810 HYBRID

SERCO ORDERS DAMEN-BUILT ART 80-32 TUG TO ASSIST ROYAL NAVY’S NEW AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

Serco has contracted Damen to build a powerful new tug to support the Royal Navy’s

two new aircraft carriers at its Portsmouth Naval Base, as part of its contract to provide

Marine Services to the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MOD). The tug will be

the first of its type under the British Flag.

The Damen-built ART (Advanced Rotortug®) 80-32 Tug will have the manoeuvrability,

power - with an 80 tonnes bollard pull - and towing flexibility needed to support the

Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, the two largest ships ever commissioned for

the British Royal Navy. The new tug is due for delivery in early 2017.

Serco is the UK’s largest operator of British flagged vessels and this new tug will bring

its total fleet to 115, of which 31 will be Damen-built.

The ART 80-32 Tug features a patented Rotortug® propulsion system consisting of

three azimuthing thrusters which provide enhanced omni-directional manoeuvrability,

and the benefits of a fully redundant system. Serco has specified a number of

modifications to the standard Robert Allan design including a double drum render/

recovery aft winch for redundancy and a foldable mast for safe working under the flight

deck overhang.

Serco and Damen have a long established relationship. Damen completed a 29-vessel

order for the British company in 2010.

NEWS

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INNOVATIVE DAMEN DESIGNEFFICIENT | POWERFUL | DYNAMIC

RSD TUG 2513 TWIN FIN

The new Twin Fin Damen RSD Tug is the result of a dedicated team effort, encompassing

years of experience from the development of our proven ASD and ATD Tug Series. Truly

innovative developments in the new design are the result of a close cooperation between

the Damen Tug team, Damen Research, Damen Engineering and MARIN.

The Damen RSD Tug Series features vessels with the ship handling performance of a

large tug. This is highlighted by RSD Tugs 2513 and 2814, which have respectively 75

and 85 tonnes bollard pull and high dynamic braking forces, combined with the

manoeuvrability of a compact tug.

With the ever-increasing size of container vessels, bulkers and LNG carriers, such a

vessel is crucial for any port worldwide. The RSD Tug works very well in confined areas

and this makes it possible to reduce the number of tugs per port call.

Operators never have to reposition their tug because they work well indirect or direct at

all speeds. The high and immediate steering forces, with little heeling angle at a vector

response time of virtually ‘0’ seconds, means that it is a first-rate, escort tug.

UNMANNED RSD TUG

In the world around us, automation is

evolving exponentially with automated

container terminals in operation and the

first self-driving cars testing on public

roads. At the same time, growth in vessel

sizes and increasing speed of work means

that tug operations in ports are becoming

more demanding. When we combine this

with our drive to further increase safety

for the crew and continuous efforts to

optimise the efficiency of operations, a new

era in ship handling is opening up, with the

unmanned tug as the ultimate tool.

Therefore, Damen is developing new

concepts made possible by technology

and finding solutions to overcome the

challenges to enable us to take the next

step, like making the connection between

tug and assisted vessel and cyber security.

With the RSD Tug 2513 Twin Fin and its

high performance ship handling ability as

a basis, the unmanned era in ship

handling is achievable within a decade!

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THE RIGHT VESSEL FOR THE RIGHT JOB FIT FOR PURPOSE AT EVERY STAGE

SEARCH & RESCUE

Azimuth Tractor Drive (ATD) TugsDamen ATD Tugs have excellent manoeuvrability, high indirect towing forces and great stability. The ATD Tug is a simple, compact ship handling tool that performs excellently in both sailing directions.

ATD Tugs are equipped with a revolutionary Damen-patented, twin-fin skeg design, which leads to predictable sailing performances and gives the operator optimal towing ability.

Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) TugsDamen ASD Tugs have excellent working and sailing ability, are cost effective tools for handling container and bulk carriers. The ASD Tug is compact, powerful, has a low cost price and is a very reliable, proven product. Damen ASD Tugs are designed for push-pull, harbour assisting and escort towing operations for up to 150 tonnes towline forces, as well as fire-fighting, salvage, oil pollution, hose handling and anchor handling operations.

The foredeck has a completely flush design. Ranging from 30 to 90 tonnes bollard pull, the vessels all have extremely good fuel efficiency. Within the range, Damen has special Ice Class tugs and a hybrid tug.

ROTOR TugsThe Advanced Rotortug® (ART) encompasses a Robert Allan design with a patented propulsion configuration consisting of three diesel driven, azimuthing thrusters.

Thanks to this propulsion configuration, this highly manoeuvrable tug features 100% bollard pull over the bow, 100% bollard pull over the stern and 65% bollard pull sideways.

With the Rotortug® propulsion system the transfer between high speed escorting and low speed assistance operations can take place in a fully controlled manner.

RSD Tugs The Damen RSD Tug is the ultimate ship handling tool. Always operating bow first, RSD Tugs are built for optimal sailing, manoeuvring and vessel assistance for the largest VLCCs to container vessels with extreme flair.

The Damen RSD Tugs 2513 and 2814 are the only compact tugs designed to work bow first.Operators never have to reposition their tug because they work well direct and indirect at all speeds. The high and immediate steering forces with little heeling angle at a vector response time of virtually “0” seconds means that it is a top-rate escort tug.

Stan Tugs The Damen Stan Tug Series is based on considerable knowledge and customer feedback and is ideally suited for towing, pushing, push-pull, berthing, anchor handling, hydrographical survey, line handling, fire-fighting, salvage, diving support and pollution control in all waters.

These seagoing tugboats have a modern design and twin-screw propulsion.

Stan PilotsOffering both performance and safety, Damen Stan Pilots are ideal vessels for pilotage in harbours and coastal waters.

The Sea Axe hull shape guarantees superior seakeeping performance at all speeds. Additionally, the lightweight, composite Sea Axe hull offers exceptionally low resistance, delivering excellent fuel efficiency.

Stan TendersThe Damen Stan Tender is a true, multi-purpose workboat able to perform a wide range of harbour and port services. This vessel is a combination of a high-speed vessel and a sturdy, reliable workhorse.

Damen’s largest Stan Tender 2306 has a speed of 26 knots and capacity for 30 personnel.

Stan Launches – Small Stan Tug SeriesThe Damen Stan Launch Series offers extremely clean, small workboat designs, highly manoeuvrable vessels and proven propulsion systems.

The unobstructed aft deck has a strong bulwark and provides ample space for safe line handling, crew transport and general harbour and port services Stan Launches are single screw, fuel efficient and competitively priced.

Multi CatsDamen’s 12-strong Multi Cat Series is designed for a range of activities in various coastal environments. The Multi Cat has a proven design, which has been thoroughly tested over the years by our loyal customers.

These strong vessels have optimum deck space in relation to the deck equipment, which leads to maximum operational efficiency. The wheelhouse has 360-degree visibility, ensuring the highest standards of safety.

ShoalbustersDamen Shoalbusters are multi-purpose vessels fit for operations inland, in harbours and coastal waters.

They are especially designed to take on heavy duties, which are often in shallow waters and in areas of limited manoeuvrability. There are currently 10 Shoalbusters in the range.

PontoonsDamen has various pontoon sizes, with propulsion and mooring options to match the needs of customers. The Stan Pontoon is very stable, has a high deck load capacity and is built to the best quality standards.

Stan Pontoons are a very flexible option because of Damen’s use of modular building techniques. This also facilitates short delivery times directly from stock.

Fire-Fighting VesselsDamen’s dedicated Fire-Fighting Vessel is ideal for police patrol duties, fire-fighting and emergencies.

The Fire-Fighting Vessel 2406 has powerful engines, three waterjet drives and offers excellent manoeuvrability.

TOWAGE & MOVEMENT

SUPPORTING SERVICES

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