Volt Services selects Damen’s new Utility Vessel 4312 for Norwegian aquaculture operations

In December 2016 Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with Norway-based Volt Service AS for a Utility Vessel (UV) 4312 to be delivered in Q1 2018. The vessel, to be named Volt Processor, will undertake delousing operations at Norwegian salmon farms and will be managed by Volt Service AS, a subsidiary of Remøy Ship Management, Damen said in its press release.

The UV 4312 follows on from Damen’s smaller model – the UV 2410. The larger, 43 metre model reflects the value operators place on having an abundance of open protected deck space. The design has been optimised with extensive feedback from the aquaculture industry. The result is a ship that corresponds precisely to the latest techniques in salmon delousing.

Adoption of the latest delousing technology benefits the lice count and fish wellbeing while eliminating the need for chemicals in the treatment operation. The combination of the UV 4312 with the latest delousing techniques results in a highly mobile delousing vessel able to service more farms in a larger region and in more open waters.

Mr Even Remøy, CEO of Volt Services said, “We turned to Damen as we have good experience with them. They were able to accommodate all the requirements we had for our vessel. Furthermore, they were able to offer us a very quick turnaround of the project so that we could get underway with our operations in the quickest possible timeframe.”

The standard design of the UV 4312 included a diesel-electric configuration, providing an efficient, flexible power supply for the 750 kW propulsion installation and for driving the deck equipment when moored within a farm. Other features include a low freeboard, easy access to the waterline on both sides, a large hold and removable railings for hose-handling operations.

The UV 4312 is open to customisation as the Volt Processor will demonstrate. Damen will tailor the vessel to the requirements of the client, which includes a third crane, DP1, increased bow thruster power, an extra generator set and an ozone generator.

The low freeboard reduces the height difference experienced by the fish during pumping and delousing, which ensures a reduction of stress. Accommodation is provided for up to ten persons in six cabins, plus galley and mess room.

The flexibility of the design means that the vessel can be further equipped in support of other aquaculture activities, such as installation and maintenance works.

Damen Sales Manager Remko Hottentot said, “The UV 4312 is a cost-efficient, ship-shaped and self-propelled floating work station for delousing operations. We did our homework. Compared to earlier vessels this new one offers increased flexibility and improved cost-efficiency. We wish Volt Services all the very best with their vessel.”

Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 33 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 6,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 180 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.

Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale values and reliable performance. Furthermore, Damen vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.

Damen offers a wide range of products, including tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and superyachts.

For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of services, including maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and the transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. Damen also offers a variety of marine components, such as nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.

In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has a worldwide network of 16 repair and conversion yards with dry docks ranging up to 420 x 80 metres. Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1,500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.