First-in-series Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) 4916 keel has been laid at the Albwardy Damen shipyard in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Herman Senior B.V. operates a diverse fleet of Multicats and Shoalbusters to provide a wide range of services around the globe. This latest addition to the fleet is named ‘Smokey’ in keeping with the company tradition of giving vessels names for famous bears. Tradition was also observed during the ceremony when two coins were welded to the keel. The coins selected were a historic Rijksdaalder from the Netherlands and a UAE Dirham, to reflect both the vessel’s Dutch heritage and the construction location.
Leon Fijnekam, Commercial Manager at 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, Managing Director at Herman Senior said, “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."
Prepared for a sustainable future, MPV 4916 features the Damen Marine NOX Reduction System, a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) that lowers both noise and emissions in a single, compact unit and allows compliance with IMO Tier III requirements. The vessel can be converted to either full electric or hybrid methanol propulsion in the future.
‘Smokey’ is designed to perform a wide range of tasks in the offshore energy sectors. Her versatility is assured by DP2 dynamic positioning capabilities, a four-point mooring system and spud poles, which allow her to keep station in diverse environments and water depths. The vessel will also feature a 45-tonne hydraulic A-frame, and an active heave compensated winch on the crane, which allows for safe, precise lifting, even in challenging conditions.
