Damen Delivers Twin ‘Axe Bow’

Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9,000 people worldwide. This ubiquitous name in global shipbuilding has delivered more than 5,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 160 vessels annually.
Jan-Wim Dekker, is Damen’s Chief Products Officer (CPO), and the executive who is ultimately responsible for the efficient operation of the Damen shipyards. With such a diversity – both in geographic locale and vessel built – Dekker said that consistency of quality is central to any Damen operation. “First of all we build the same vessel with the same quality at various shipyards around the world,” said Dekker. “So at the outset, in the design and engineering phase, we take into account the different requirements that each yard may have. One of the most important things for us is quality, and to deliver to the customer a good working vessel. Proven quality and reliable delivery times are the two most important factors. In Damen’s case, another advantage is our worldwide presence.”
Innovation in design and outfit is the expectation not the exception, and Damen has driven many innovations in its history.
“Innovation is important too, particularly looking at development such as our Axe Bow, a development which allows our customers to operate the vessel in a larger window compared to competitors,” said Dekker. “The Axe Bow is a game changer.”
Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam have had a long relationship with Groen Offshore, Guard & Support, and recently delivered the first Twin Axe Fast Crew Supplier, dubbed Merel-G.
Named after the 10-year old granddaughter of Groen’s Managing Director, the official handover of the Merel-G took place in late July after which the vessel was deployed on long-term charter for a major E&P operator in the Danish part of the North Sea.
Groen Offshore, Guard & Support has more than 40 years of experience in the offshore industry. Founded in 1973, with three vessels for the sport fishing and recreation business in the North Sea, Groen transitioned to the offshore industry in 1980 and is now specialised in guard and seismic support vessels – five of which were built at Maaskant.

 

(As published in the August 2015 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News - http://magazines.marinelink.com/Magazines/MaritimeReporter)