Damen and HST sign contract for second FCS 2710 at WindEnergy Hamburg
On 26th September, Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with High Speed Transfers (HST) during WindEnergy Hamburg for a Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 2710. This is HST’s second FCS 2710 since becoming the launching customer for the vessel type earlier this year, the company said in its press release.
The FCS 2710 builds on the success of its predecessor, Damen’s FCS 2610. The new design is upgraded to deliver more flexibility, more tank capacity, greater deck space, increased comfort and more accommodation. DAMEN has achieved much of this by increasing the length and height of the vessel above water by 1 metre. The increased height enables the FCS 2710 to operate in wave heights over 2 metres, greatly extending operability.
HST is a relatively new entrant to the offshore transfers sector. Based in Swansea, Wales, the company is led by three experienced offshore industry operatives, Chris Monan, Tom Nevin, and Ian Oxford. DAMEN delivered the first FCS 2710, HST Hudson, to HST back in July, during the Seawork exhibition in Southampton. HST Hudson was named for Hudson Nevin, eldest son of director Tom. Following in this tradition, the second vessel will be named HST Sofia, for the eldest daughter of director Chris Monan. DAMEN will build HST Sofia to the same specifications as the first vessel.
Tom Nevin said, “We are delighted to be taking delivery of the second FCS 2710, the HST Sofia. She will be a sister vessel to our vessel HST Hudson, which we have been operating since July this year. HST Hudson has exceeded all expectations in crew and passenger comfort with levels like this never experienced in the offshore wind sector. She has also proven, even in tough Irish Sea conditions, to be a level above the competition. Due to unprecedented demand, there are multiple possibilities for HST Sofia, which will be confirmed prior to the delivery. Our vision of a strong fleet of 2710 vessels is well underway.”
Damen Sales Manager Arjen van Elk said, “We are delighted to receive this order so soon after the delivery of the first vessel. This signals to us that HST are satisfied with the FCS 2710 and that the vessel fulfills its role in enabling our clients to carry out their work successfully. We’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with HST going forwards.”
Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 35 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 12,000 people worldwide. DAMEN has delivered more than 6,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 160 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, winches, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.
Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) has a worldwide network of eighteen repair and conversion yards of which twelve are located in North West Europe. Facilities at the yards include more than 50 floating and (covered) drydocks, the largest of which is 420 x 90 metres, as well as slopes, ship lifts and indoor halls. Projects range from the smallest simple repairs through Class’ maintenance to complex refits and the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1,300 repair and maintenance jobs annually, both at yards as well as in ports and during voyage.
