Damen, Herman Sr. shake hands on methanol-ready, diesel-electric multipurpose ship

Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Shipyards Group and compatriot tug and workboat company Herman Sr. have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for the construction of a new methanol-ready diesel-electric multipurpose vessel (MPV).

The LOI for the MPV 4916 was signed during the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC) 2024 in Amsterdam on November 26, 2024.

Construction is expected to commence at Albwardy Damen’s Sharjah shipyard in the Middle East early next year, with delivery anticipated in 2027.

As informed, the MPV 4916 will be the first in a series of vessels combining the features of the Damen Shoalbuster and Multi Cat series to offer ‘next-level versatility’ in the workboat sector. Herman Sr., which is owned by the Van Dodewaard family, has taken delivery of numerous Damen Shoalbusters and Multi Cats.

Specifically, the vessel’s versatility will result from numerous factors. These include its multiple means of positioning such as spud poles, four-point mooring, DP2, and even beaching. As a result, the vessel can maintain position in all circumstances, in waters shallow and deep, as per Damen.

The 19-meter beam is said to ensure the stability to accommodate an array of equipment, hosted by the vessel’s ample deck space. This includes a moveable, hydraulic A-frame, and a knuckle boom crane with an active motion compensated winch. In addition, the MPV 4916 provides accommodation for up to 34 persons.

Due to the ship design’s flexibility, the MPV 4916 can undertake a broad scope of work. Amongst the operations it can perform are transportation of cargo, maintenance duties for the offshore energy sectors, diving support operations, pipeline work, and cable maintenance & repair.

What is more, with the capability to carry its own 14-meter carousel containing approximately 400 tonnes of cable, the vessel can undertake cable laying operations in areas where larger vessels cannot operate. This includes, with its beaching capability, connecting cables to shore.

An eye on sustainability

The design is said to be future-proofed with “an eye on advancing maritime sustainability”.

Initially, the MPV 4916 will be powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system. A Damen Marine NOX Reduction System ensures its compliance with IMO Tier III requirements, the company said. The vessel is also prepared for future conversion to fully electric propulsion.

Additionally, the design provides the necessary space to convert to dual-fuel methanol engines use when the associated technology reaches maturity in the coming years.

A boat that “ticks all the boxes”

“This is a boat that ticks all the boxes. The MPV 4916 allows for the use of a single platform and crew to perform the widest possible range of workboat operations. The standard vessel can be reconfigured for change of use, or for project specific tasks, offering added value,” John Krielaart, the Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld Design & Proposal Engineer responsible for the MPV 4916, said.

“This is not the first time that Herman Sr. have worked with us on the development of a first-in-series vessel. The company is to be praised for its willingness to embrace new solutions. We, as Damen, are very fortunate to have such a pioneering client to join us on our journey of maritime innovation.”

“It is a pleasure to be cooperating once again with Herman Sr. Our two companies have a long history of fruitful collaboration and we’re excited to be embarking on this latest adventure together. I have every confidence that the end result will be a vessel that meets the requirements of Herman Sr. and the needs of a maritime industry in transition,” Leon Fijnekam, Commercial Manager at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, commented.

According to Erwin van Dodewaard, Commercial Manager at Herman Sr., a vessel such as the MPV 4916 aligns with the company’s sustainability goals as it has an adaptable, versatile profile and environmentally progressive performance.

“We’re very much looking forward to the development of this vessel in the coming months,” van Dodewaard stressed.

Just a few days ago, Damen delivered two combi freighter (CF) 5000 vessels to the Dubai-headquartered Squtrixo General Trading, with plans to hand over a third ship, a CF 3850, in the near future.

The Dutch giant has disclosed that this new series—described as an ‘improved version of the CF 3850—boasts a hold capacity of 7,000 cbm and can carry up to 5,160 tonnes of cargo.

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