Damen Shipyards Group has held a keel-laying ceremony for Herman Senior’s Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) 4916 at the Albwardy Damen shipyard in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to Damen, MPV 4916 is prepared for a sustainable future. The vessel features the Damen Marine SCR NOx reduction system that lowers both noise and emissions in a single, compact unit and allows compliance with IMO Tier III requirements. It is, furthermore, prepared for conversion to either full electric or hybrid methanol propulsion in the future.
In contrast to the vessel’s clean credentials, Herman Senior has named the latest addition to its fleet Smokey – said to be in keeping with the company tradition of giving vessels names for famous bears. Herman Senior is a long-standing client of Damen and operates numerous vessels from the shipbuilders’ portfolio in its fleet, often as launch customer for first-in-series Damen vessels.
Leon Fijnekam, Commercial Manager, Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, said: “We are very proud to continue to support Herman Senior with this latest order for an MPV 4916. Our two companies have been working together for almost 80 years. I believe the key to the long-standing success of our relationship is our shared values as family businesses. Both parties have a keen focus on quality and a strong vision for the future. We look forward to many more years of collaboration.”
Erwin van Dodewaard, MD Herman Senior, added: “The keel laying of MPV Smokey marks an important step in the further expansion of our offshore capabilities. With this vessel, which is a first of a kind once again, we are investing in versatility, reliability and long-term operational value. Our long-standing cooperation with Damen, built on trust, craftsmanship and shared family values, enables us to translate these ambitions into a vessel that is truly fit for the future offshore energy market.”
Smokey is designed to perform a wide range of tasks in the offshore energy sectors, being equipped with DP2 dynamic positioning capabilities, a four-point mooring system with spud poles, a 45t hydraulic A-frame, and an active heave compensated winch on the crane, which allows for safe, precise lifting in challenging conditions. Safety and comfort are also focal points in the design. Smokey is designed in accordance with SPS Code (Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships), MLC (Maritime Labour Convention) 2006 and COMF-3 notation to ensure the well-being of up to 34 persons on board.
Image: Rendering of Herman Senior MPV 4916 ‘Smokey’ (source: Damen Shipyards Group)
