Herman Sr. Orders Damen Shoalbuster 3514 for Offshore Wind Ops

Dutch marine services provider Herman Sr. and Damen Shipyards Group have signed an order for the first Damen Shoalbuster 3514  at the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference 2018 in Amsterdam. Herman Sr. intends to use the newly-developed DP2 vessel for various works in the offshore wind sector. 

The vessel, to be named Brutus, will be built at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld and delivered in spring 2020.

The first Shoalbuster 3514 will be utilised for offshore wind farm support and maintenance, as well as for cable-laying operations.

The vessel’s shallow draft will allow it to work both nearshore and offshore; a DP2 Kongsberg dynamic positioning system including ancillary thrusters will ensure precision position-holding on the open sea as well in the vicinity of turbines and other structures; and its open stern will also make the vessel suitable for cable-laying operations.

An aft deck knuckle boom crane will make Brutus capable of lifting a wide assortment of cargo and equipment.

The Shoalbuster 3514 is 35 metres long, nearly 14 metres wide and has a free deck space of 150m2.

The vessel will carry a crew of five to six mariners and have accommodation for up to 22 personnel.

Jack van Dodewaard, managing director of Herman Sr, commented: “Our new Shoalbuster 3514 will be the first DP2 vessel in our fleet and will be named Brutus. With a bollard pull of 60 tonnes we are aiming for a versatile, dynamically positioned vessel, suitable for performing a wide range of works in shallow waters. These will include PLGR, ROV surveys, mass flow, UXO surveys, wind farm support and all the other services that our clients are used to receiving from Herman Sr. BV.”

“With accommodation capable of taking more than 20 people she will also be able to work for extended periods offshore. And of course she will undertake many other functions such as towage, anchor handling and rig relocations. In addition, the vessel is able to dry out completely for cable handling and other works,” Van Dodewaard said.