In a significant development for the maritime industry, Damen Shipyards Group and Maritime Craft Services have formalized an agreement for the delivery of a Shoalbuster 2711 multi-purpose workboat. This contract, signed at the recent Seawork 2024 event in Southampton, marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two companies and reinforces their commitment to advancing maritime operations.
The Shoalbuster 2711, to be christened Heather 2, represents the latest addition to MCS's growing fleet of versatile workboats. Based in Fairlie on Scotland's west coast, MCS is a family-owned business managed by siblings Nikki and Menno Kuyt, children of the company's founder, Dirk Kuyt. With this new acquisition, MCS's fleet will expand to eighteen vessels, further solidifying its position as a significant player in the maritime services sector.
MCS's operations span the globe, with a particular focus on western Europe and the Middle East. The company has consistently turned to Damen Shipyards for its vessel needs, with Heather 2 set to become their third Shoalbuster. This new vessel will join a fleet that already includes eleven Fast Crew Suppliers and Multi Cats built by Damen, underscoring the strong partnership between the two companies.
The Shoalbuster 2711 is designed to excel in shallow waters, with a maximum draft of three meters. This feature makes it particularly suitable for a range of offshore projects, including assisting with dredging operations, cable laying, and providing support for wind farm installations. The vessel boasts impressive specifications, including a bollard pull of 41 metric tons and a top speed of 11 knots, ensuring efficient performance across various maritime tasks.
One of the key advantages of the Shoalbuster 2711 is its optimized deck layout, which features a low freeboard for easy access to the water. Heather 2 will be equipped with an AKC 185 deck crane and a waterfall winch, enhancing its versatility and operational capabilities. Importantly, the vessel will also be fitted with a Damen Marine NOx Reduction System, making it compliant with IMO Tier III emissions standards and reflecting both companies' commitment to environmental sustainability.
Mike Besijn, Sales Manager at Damen Shipyards, expressed enthusiasm about the continued collaboration with MCS, highlighting the shared values of sustainability and operational excellence between the two companies. He emphasized the potential role of the new Shoalbuster in supporting the expansion of the offshore wind sector globally, as well as its suitability for various near-shore activities.
The delivery of Heather 2 is scheduled for summer 2024, and it is expected to become a valuable asset in MCS's fleet for years to come. The vessel's capabilities align well with the growing demand for versatile workboats in the offshore energy sector, particularly as the world continues to invest in renewable energy sources like offshore wind farms.
This contract between Damen Shipyards and MCS not only strengthens their business relationship but also contributes to the broader maritime industry's efforts to modernize fleets with more efficient and environmentally friendly vessels. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, partnerships like this play a crucial role in driving innovation and meeting the changing needs of the industry.
The Shoalbuster 2711's design and specifications make it well-suited to address the diverse challenges faced in offshore and near-shore operations. Its ability to operate in shallow waters while maintaining significant pulling power and versatility positions it as an ideal choice for companies like MCS that are involved in a wide range of maritime projects.
As the maritime industry continues to adapt to new environmental regulations and operational demands, vessels like the Shoalbuster 2711 represent the future of workboat design. The incorporation of advanced features and emission reduction technologies demonstrates the industry's commitment to balancing operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
