Damen’s new Ultra Shallow Shoalbuster 3815 SD has completed sea trials and bollard pull testing. The newly designed vessel achieved 18.6 tonnes of bollard pull. With a draft of 120 centimetres, it can operate in extreme shallow waters.
Damen developed the new Shoalbuster 3815 SD after extensive dialogue with numerous workboat operators from the oil and gas, and dredging industries as well as end-users. This highlighted the need for a fit-for-purpose vessel capable of working in ultra-shallow waters.
‘There are several projects in the world that operate in ultra-shallow working areas – in the Arabian Gulf and the Caspian Sea in particular,’ says Jeroen van Woerkum, commercial manager at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld. ‘We designed this vessel to provide real added value to these projects.’
Working at 120 Centimetres
The installed power of 1540 bhp directed through four 1000-millimetre aft propellers yielded 18.6 tonnes of bollard pull. The vessel has a working deck space of 185 square metres and is equipped with two bow thrusters to provide manoeuvrability when needed. The amount of deck space makes the Shoalbuster extremely suitable for Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) maintenance works, SBM hose repair and allows sufficient space to add containerised units for diving support works.
Perhaps the most notable outcome of the sea trials, however, is the ultra-shallow draught specifications. The Shoalbuster 3815 SD can work in a water depth with a minimum of 120 centimetres.
Low Noise Levels
Attention has also been paid to comfort on board. The noise levels in the accommodation area are a maximum of 53 dB. ‘For the workboat market, characterised primarily by power and performance, such low noise levels are an operational luxury,’ adds Van Woerkum.
The 250 deadqweight tonnage vessel’s standard accommodation for eleven persons is in accordance with MLC regulations. Additional accommodation for a total of seventeen persons is optional.
With the sea trials successfully completed, the Shoalbuster 3815 SD is going to be available for delivery and operation by the 1st of January 2020.
