Damen solutions picked for Longship newbuilding quartet

Dutch shipbuilder GS Projects has commissioned compatriot Damen Marine Components (DMC), a maneuvering systems provider, to supply the steering, control and propulsion equipment for four dry cargo vessels being constructed at the former’s shipyard in Waterhuizen, the Netherlands.

As disclosed, the 6,250 dwt quartet is being made through a project done in collaboration with two other Dutch businesses, Groot Ship Design, and Ship and Steelbuilding (SaS). The two are constructing this series—which includes an option for four more vessels—for compatriot shortsea ship operator and logistics company Longship.

The units will reportedly measure more than 100 meters in length and 15.5 meters in width, with a design draft of 6.2 meters.

According to DMC, the newbuildings—the first of which is anticipated for a handover at the beginning of 2026—will be outfitted with its ‘plug & play’ Piston RAM-type steering systems, Barke rudders and Optima nozzles.

Working in tandem, the solutions can result in a lower fuel consumption and maintenance cost, as per DMC.

In addition to this, the design and engineering of all four units are expected to meet the UK classification society Lloyd’s Register classification as well as the Finnish-Swedish 1A ice class specifications.

“It’s great to be working with GS Projects and their client Longship on this multi-vessel contract. We are looking forward to getting started on our scope of work and, when the time comes, rolling up our sleeves and supporting the GS Projects team at the shipyard with the installation of the DMC equipment,” DMC Area Sales Manager Leo van Zon remarked.

Earlier this year, DMC shook hands with China’s BYD, the world’s biggest electric vehicle (EV) maker, to supply rudder systems for four pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs).

For each PCTC, of which the first one is expected to be delivered in 2025, DMC said it would supply an Atlantic Rudder with asymmetric rudder technology (ART) and a Silent Bulb. Once they touch water, the liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered car carriers will be ‘the largest of their class’ in the world.