As the prospect of Cape Wind and other Atlantic coast wind energy projects move closer to becoming reality, leading international shipbuilder Damen Shipyards is developing an entire range of vessels for the offshore wind industry, and with many of these tailor-made vessels proving popular at European offshore wind parks, Damen is looking forward to bringing its vessels to the US market. PES speaks to Damen Offshore Wind Business Development Manager, Peter Robert.
The privately owned shipyard group, which has its corporate office in Gorinchem, in the Netherlands has already seen many of its vessels such as hydrographic survey vessels, its heavy lift DP2 transport and installation vessels, the multipurpose Shoalbusters and Multi Cats deployed in the offshore wind market. Damen, which has a network of more than 45 ship and repair yards, is rapidly growing and continuing to expand its offshore wind series.
In 2010, Damen entered the crew transfer market with the revolutionary Twin Axe Fast Crew Supplier 2610, which is now often heralded as the new “industry standard.”
Since the delivery of the first Twin Axe Fast Crew Supplier 2610 to Scottish offshore wind service company Marineco, a further 14 vessels have been sold and because of the strong demand another 24 vessels are under construction.
Following the success of the Twin Axe 2610, Damen has recently also introduced a smaller version, the Twin Axe 2008.
In addition to the successful Twin Axe Service Crew transporters, Damen has just also launched the Damen Offshore Carrier 7500, and the Wind Farm Maintenance Barge for construction, service and maintenance support. See below for further details of these vessels.
The development of an infield cable layer and other options for maintenance vessels are also being considered by the Dutch company.
Peter Robert, Damen Offshore Wind Business Development Manager comments: “We are capable of developing dedicated, fit for purpose offshore wind vessels.”
Close partnership with Bollinger
The group is open to explore collaborations with US companies keen to develop the huge potential offshore wind market, whether ship owners or shipyards. With its many yards worldwide, Damen Shipyards already has many US clients and it works very closely with US shipyards.
