Van Wijngaarden Marine Services orders new model Shoalbuster 3512 from Damen

Damen has begun work on the latest and one of the largest model yet in its popular, shallow draft Shoalbuster range, the company said in its press release. Ordered by Van Wijngaarden Marine Services, the Shoalbuster 3512 is 35 metres in length, has a draft of 2.9 metres and GRT of 498 tonnes. The completely new design brings a range of benefits including a larger bridge, an extensive working deck of 134m² and accommodation for up to 11 personnel. The propulsion system is based on three engines delivering 2910 bKW at 1800 rpm, with the middle engine configured to supplement the twin gensets when additional power is required by hydraulic deck gear such as the crane and winch, and also the bow thruster.

Van Wijngaarden Marine Services owns and operates a fleet of 14 workboats for deep sea, coastal and inland waters around the world. Three of these are Damen Shoalbusters - one 2609S and two 3009 - and a fourth is a Damen Pushy Cat 42 with over 40 years of service behind it and still going strong. As a class, Damen Shoalbusters are exceptionally versatile, handling tasks ranging from short and long distance towing to dredge support for offshore projects such as supporting the construction and maintenance of windfarms.

The new 3512 will be available for deployment wherever it is required. A bollard pull of 55 tonnes yet a draft of less the three metres will make it invaluable for heavy towage in shallow waters, as will its ability to carry up to seven (20 TEU) standard containers, facilitate diving, survey and dredging operations and much more besides.

“This new vessel will allow us to expand the services we offer within our target market,” said Gert Jan van Wijngaarden, general manager at Van Wijngaarden Marine Services. “We chose Damen because it is a reliable partner; able to build the vessel we required for a realistic price and within the time in which we need it. In addition, the Shoalbuster is a proven workboat design that holds its value well.”

“We are delighted that Van Wijngaarden Marine Services has returned to us for a fourth Shoalbuster, eleven years after the first was delivered,” added Jos van Woerkum, managing director at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld.  “Competition for the contract was intense, so we were very pleased when our combination of quality, price and delivery won the deal. We believe that this latest Shoalbuster design with its added capabilities will prove a popular addition to the range.”

The delivery date for the Shoalbuster 3512 is scheduled for the end of March, 2016.