Platypus Marine is building a Damen designed fast crew supplier for the Jones Act market

Based in Washington Platypus Navy has signed a letter of intent with the Dutch shipbuilding group Damen Shipyards for the construction of a new Jones Act-compliant fast crew supply ship. The announcement was made at the IPF Offshore Wind Conference last week.

The FCS2710 design vessel will be available and fully supported on both the west and east coasts of the US, filling a gap in the offshore wind market. It can also be used in the oil, mining and remote construction industries.

Platypus Marine will have the full support of Damen Shipyards’ engineering team, enabling them to build a top-class vessel at competitive prices.

“Damen has built and delivered well over 6,000 ships since 1927, spread across our various 38 shipyards worldwide with headquarters in the Netherlands. Through local engineering and partnerships with shipyards like Platypus, we have delivered over 200 vessels for the US market and over 1,500 worldwide together with the Damen Technical Cooperation Division (DTC),” says Alan Borde, DAMEN Area Manager USA.

Platypus Marine’s new construction building can accommodate up to four 34-meter ships at a time in different construction phases to meet market demand for a number of ships in the row.

Platypus Marine plans to begin construction of the FCS2710 upon completion of construction of the Port Angeles, WA building in Q4 2023 or Q1 2024, with completion targeted for Q1 2025.

The design of the FCS2710 combines the stable platform of a catamaran with the smooth sailing of the Sea Ax hull shape, offering optional seakeeping and onboard comfort. The vessel is based on a proven design that has been improved in close collaboration with industry leaders and crew transfer vessel operators. This results in a vessel with a large planar foredeck, high cargo capacities and excellent performance in transit and transfer operations.

As the offshore wind industry prepares for rapid expansion in the United States, demand for Jones Act compliant vessels to support offshore wind operations will increase.

More about the FCS2710 from women:

• Length: 26.8m
• Maximum speed: 25 knots
• Deck area: 90 m2
• Staff: 24
• Hull Construction: Aluminum
• Available options:
• Hybrid drive system
• rescue zone
• deck crane
• Cargo fuel system
• GMDSS A3