Damen unveils next-generation water bus

Customers benefit from reduced fuel consumption, less maintenance and no corrosion or fatigue problems, Damen says. Besides being safe and efficient, the vessel has been designed to limit noise and vibrations, making it much more comfortable for passengers.
Marcel Elenbaas, Damen's design and proposal engineer for fast ferries, commented: “The Damen Water Bus is the best fit for highly congested urban areas, providing a simple and efficient way of making use of natural waterways, and consequently integrating into the public transport network.”
The water bus has a slender hull, less weight than a traditional aluminium vessel and low resistance, producing only a low wake, Damen says. It can travel at up to 21 knots, is highly manoeuvrable and can carry as many as 100 passengers.
The vessel can easily be adapted to specific customer requirements, and its production process facilitates swift delivery to clients, according to the shipbuilder. It is also very robust because it is built with high-quality vacuum infusion technology, creating a "difficult-to-penetrate, closed cell, epoxy sandwich structure", Elenbaas said.
Passenger comfort has also been given priority. The water bus is equipped with two forward-facing, double-screw podded propulsion units, which reduce vibrations besides lowering fuel consumption. What's more, the units’ exhaust is under water, cutting noise and vibrations further. The vessel is also designed for easy and efficient boarding, and passengers have panoramic views from the large windows on the sides and top deck.
Damen Shipyards Group has a long history of producing water taxis, water buses and ferries, mainly built from aluminium and steel, and intended for intensive public transport operations. The shipbuilder says it is capable of offering the complete infrastructure system for water buses including jetties and bunkering stations, as well as training and service packages. This water bus is the first vessel for public transportation produced at Damen Shipyards Antalya, which specialises in composite professional workboat series suitable for heavy-duty operations. Typically up to 24m long, these vessels include interceptors, patrol boats, pilot boats, crew suppliers and now water buses.
The first Damen Water Bus is expected to be in the Netherlands before year’s end, and Damen has another water bus hull in stock, ready for outfitting.