Damen Galaţi lays keels for two Atlantic Towing PSVs

L to R: Catalin Istrati (PM, Damen Shipyards Galaţi), Jan van Hogerwou (Sales Manager, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem), Carl Galley (Site Manager ATL), Kees Boeren (PM, O&T, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem), Mircea Busuioc (PM for DNVGL), Don Shepherd, Jan Versteijlen (PM, O&T, Damen Shipyards Group)

APRIL 22, 2015 — Damen Shipyards Galaţi recently held a keel laying ceremony to mark the start of construction of two PSV 5000 platform supply vessels for Canada’s Atlantic Towing. The 90-m vessels are part of a four vessel order that includes three identical supply vessels and one designed specifically for inspection, repair and maintenance duties. Atlantic Towing will mobilize all four vessels in North Atlantic oil fields off the Canadian coast (see earlier story).

“These ships are designed to deal with the harsh environment of the Grand Banks,” says Damen Manager North America Jan van Hogerwou. “Not only in terms of the task they will perform, but also concerning seakeeping characteristics. This will yield clear crew comfort and safety benefits.”

“We are all set for delivery of the first vessel in April 2017 – with the further three following close behind,” he says.

The fourth vessel of the contract will also be a Damen PSV 5000, but equipped for inspection, repair and maintenance capabilities. It will be fitted with a 100-ton active heave compensated crane intended for subsea operations.

All four vessels are being built according to DNV Green Passport requirements. Notable features will include an SCR equipped diesel-electric propulsion system.Damen’s scope of business in Canada is expanding – the Dutch shipbuilding company is currently concluding negotiations for a Damen certified service and maintenance center based in St John’s, Newfoundland.

Interestingly, also present at the keel laying ceremony were representatives from the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Transportation who were visiting Damen’s Galaţi yard for the launch of an 80-m Ro-Pax ferry on the following day.