The new modern diving bell ship will succeed an existing vessel – the Carl Straat, which has been in operation since 1963. Like her predecessor she will operate on the River Rhine and its tributaries and will be used to search for and recover lost cargo or wreckage. In addition, it will be used for important river bed work and for construction inspections.

The ship can also be used to produce barrel anchors in gravel or rocky areas and can carry out sampling by drilling with nitrogen icing. The modern diving bell system, including the lifting device, makes it possible for the ship to be able to travel and operate on the Rhine and its tributaries without lowering the water level.

Damen Sales Manager Remko Bouma said, “We are very proud to receive this contract and are looking forward to building this new vessel. The existing vessel, the Carl Straat, has distinguished herself over decades of successful operation. It is an honour to be entrusted with the delivery of a vessel able to match this track record.”

The new vessel will draw heavily on its predecessor. Damen will, however, apply the latest technology to the new vessel to ensure its suitability for years to come. The new ship will be equipped with high-performance diesel-electric propulsion compliant with EU stage V standards, guaranteeing a constant cruising speed of 13 km/h. With a total length of sixty nine metres the ship will be seventeen metres longer than the original Carl Straat.

Damen will construct the vessel at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld and has scheduled delivery to the client in 2020.