Damen gains ABS approval for CTV for U.S. offshore wind market

Damen’s Sea Axe hull form has been developed to deliver safety and comfort even in rough waters by reducing vertical accelerations.

Damen Shipyards has received ABS approval in principle for a version of its FCS 2710 offshore wind CTV (crew transfer vessel) that has been modified to meet U.S. requirements.

Among other things, waterjets are now incorporated, driven by engines that are compliant with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

The FCS 2710, over 65 feet in length, is well suited to the tough operating conditions on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Its size ensures the vessel’s capability to continue operating during the winter period, when smaller vessels will need to power down or even remain in harbor.

The FCS 2710 has already proven its capabilitiesin the European offshore wind arena. The FCS 2710 draws on the success of predecessor game-changing design, the FCS 2610. Damen increased the size of the design in order to offer greater flexibility, deck space, tank capacity, increased comfort and additional accommodations. Another key change was to increase the vessel’s unnel height above the water, enabling it to operate in waters with over 2 meter significant wave height for considerably increased uptime.

The vessel features Damen’s Sea Axe hull form – in Twin Axe formation – to deliver safety and comfort even in rough waters by reducing vertical accelerations.

Mark Honders, Manager Design & Licences said, “We are very pleased that the FCS 2710 has received this ABS approval in principle. The vessel has performed very well in European operations and has also received orders from Asia. We feel very confident in its suitability for operations in North American projects also. Damen has the goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder and we are very proud to contribute to the production of renewable energy around the world with our products.”