Dutch ship designer, builder and repairer, Damen, has broken into the oil & gas standby (ERRV) market for the first time with its remarkable Twin Axe workboat.
It was only a matter of time as a number of these vessels are successfully servicing the needs of North Sea windfarms. They are weatherly, fast and have the ability to carry significant loads.
It is Groen Offshore, Guard & Support that has broken with oil & gas tradition and gone for something totally different to convention.
Damen is to adapt its existing Fast Crew Supplier 2610 model for the purpose. Groen is to deploy the new vessel on long-term charter for a major E&P operator in the Danish part of the North Sea, following quick delivery this summer from Damen’s Maaskant yard at Stellendam.
Damen has built more than 40 FCS 2610 class boats. Indeed they are regarded as a mainstay of Europe’s offshore wind construction and maintenance sector.
The order for the first FCS 2610 customised for oil & gas highlights the design’s adaptability.
Groen has more than 40 years of oil & gas experience under its belt. For the Damen order, it has specified a number of plug and play features including a davit for a fast rescue craft on the fore deck, a 10-foot offshore container outfitted as a hospital/office, a multipurpose deck crane and regulation Dacon rescue scoop.
A number of vessels in the Groen fleet were built for the company by Damen.