Damen Shipyards Group will supply the design, engineering and technical assistance for the construction of a scientific marine research vessel. Under the Damen Technical Cooperation programme, Cotemcar, operating two shipyards in Cartagena, Colombia, is to build the ship.
The hydrographic and oceanogrpahic research vessel is being built for DIMAR (Direccion Maritima – Maritime Authority) at their Mamonal location. The vessel, which will be 83 metres in length with a beam of 16 metres, will be the largest and most complex vessel ever to be built in Colombia.
DIMAR will operate the vessel in Colombian waters, both Pacific and Caribbean, and will also sail it to the Antarctic. The vessel has various types of hydrographic equipment on board, including deck equipment such as a large A-frame on the aft, and also extensive laboratory capacity on board. It also features a helicopter deck and hangar, that can handle a Dauphin or a Bell 412 helicopter.
Damen Technical Cooperation
‘With our proven model of Damen Technical Cooperation we are sure that we can meet and exceed Cotecmar’s requirements before, during and after the construction of the vessel,’ says Mr. Pieter Becker, Damen’s area manager for Colombia. ‘Our goal is to remain in Colombia for a long time and to explore more opportunities for co-development and cooperation.’
DTC was established in 1977 to enable local yards to build Damen designs. With DTC construction can take place in remote locations, often inland and local content requirements can be met. DTC customers can select the level of support they would like to receive from Damen – whether it is only the design under licence, a full materials package or a combination of design, materials, shipbuilding assistance, advice and training.
