Damen Sells Shoalbuster to V.O.F. Sleepboot
On August 29 a contract was signed by Jos van Woerkum, Managing Director of Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, and Willem-Harm Mastenbroek, owner and managing director of V.O.F. Sleepboot ISA, for the delivery of a new Damen Shoalbuster 2709.
Based in Wijk bij Duurstede in the Netherlands, the company has undertaken projects across north west Europe and as far east as the Caspian Sea. The new Shoalbuster is replacing a 30-meter, multipurpose, anchor handling tug and will be available for work all over the world.
The Damen Shoalbuster 2709 is a highly versatile workboat 27 meters in length and with a beam of 9 meters, yet despite its compact size this version will have a bollard pull of 41.2 metric tons. The draught however is just 2.6 meters, making it ideal for maneuvers in shallow waters. The deck gear includes a 5.5 tonnes at 18.5 meters AKC knuckle crane, an anchor handling winch and a tugger winch. The vessel has quarters for up to seven people across five cabins plus a galley/mess area. The Shoalbuster 2709 has been in production for just over five years and is a popular design due to its size and capabilities.
Willem-Harm Mastenbroek gained experience with a Damen Shoalbuster when working with a previous employer and since the establishment of his own company had been looking forward to acquiring one of his own. This year the right conditions, including a vessel in stock at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld ready for finishing, came together and the deal was done. The naming ceremony is planned for later this year.