Dutch partners sign LoI for two large workboats

Damen Shipyards Group and Herman Sr., a tug and workboat company, have signed a letter of intent (LoI) for two 49m-long multi-purpose workboats. The MPV 4916 combines features of the Damen Shoalbuster and Multi Cat Series to offer broad operational flexibility.

The DP2 vessels will be able to carry cargo, undertake maintenance duties at offshore energy installations, provide diving support services, and perform cable maintenance and repair. The vessels’ 16m beam ensure good stability and space to accommodate a range of equipment including a moveable hydraulic A-frame, two knuckle boom cranes, and an aft crane with an active heave compensated winch.

They will also have sufficient space to accommodate a 14-m carousel with approximately 350 tonnes of cable. This will enable the vessels to undertake cable-laying operations in locations where space is limited including, for example, connecting cables to shore.

The workboats will have accommodation for 34 persons and safety and comfort is a key consideration. The vessels will have Special Purpose Ships code accreditation and will be fully compliant with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. COMF-3 notation ensures low levels of noise and vibration.

The ships’ have also been designed with sustainability in mind. Initially powered by diesel-electric engines with NOx reduction systems, they will be ‘ready’ for conversion to fully electric propulsion in the future. There is also sufficient space on board to convert to dual-fuel methanol engines when the associated technology reaches maturity in the coming years, Damen said.

John Krielaart is Design & Proposal engineer responsible for MPV 4916 development at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld. “The MPV 4916 allows for the use of a single platform crew to perform the widest possible range of workboat operations,” he said. “The standard vessel can be reconfigured for change of use, or for project specific tasks, offering added value.”

Herman Sr.’s commercial manager, Erwin van Dodewaard, commented: “Our long history of cooperation with Damen is the result of our companies’ shared values and way of working. As family businesses, we hold a long-term view, taking care that what we do today will be of benefit to the future generations. A vessel such as this MPV 4916 aligns well with this goal, with its adaptable, versatile profile and its environmentally progressive performance. We’re very much looking forward to the development of this vessel in the coming months.”

Construction of the first MPV 4916 is expected to start at Albwardy Damen in Sharjah early next year for delivery in 2027.