India’s ambitious plans to invest in its maritime industry have attracted the attention of Dutch shipbuilder Damen, who recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Square Port Shipyard to develop a shipyard in India. This partnership aims to bring Damen’s expertise and technology to the region, supporting India’s growing maritime sector and economic development.
Dutch shipbuilder Damen has teamed up with Yeoman Marine Services Pvt Ltd to build tugboats in India, challenging Vancouver’s Robert Allan Ltd. Concerns arise over the government’s favoritism towards Robert Allan. Damen will offer design expertise while Yeoman Marine will utilize modern techniques for construction.
Germany’s first fully electric seagoing vessel, the E-Kat catamaran ferry, has successfully completed acceptance trials. Designed by Damen Group, it can carry up to 150 passengers and 11,250 kg of payload, operating at speeds of up to 16 knots. With a battery power system of 1,800 kW, it aims for efficient and environmentally friendly transportation.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has recently added six new energy-efficient tugs to its fleet, including Europe’s first fully-electric RSD tugboat. These tugs, constructed by Damen in Vietnam, were carefully tested before being delivered to Belgium. The electric tugboat, named Volta 1, boasts impressive maneuverability and a bollard pull of 70 tons.
Damen Shipyards Group introduces the Damen D16 engine, now EU stage V certified, in partnership with Volvo Penta. This sustainable solution reduces emissions and enhances power efficiency, meeting stringent regulations for a cleaner maritime industry. With the ability to run on HVO, the D16 offers even greater CO2 reductions, making it a versatile and environmentally conscious choice for vessel owners.
The dispute between Damen and the Romanian government over the Mangalia shipyard escalated as insolvency proceedings were initiated. Damen, which took control in 2018, faced challenges due to industry downturn and government interference. The court aims to define a recovery strategy for the yard, once a thriving joint venture with Daewoo, now struggling in a competitive market.
Damen Shipyards Group tackles the challenge of charging fully electric Crew Transfer Vessels at wind farms with a vessel-to-vessel charging design. By integrating large battery systems on vessels like CSOVs, Damen ensures energy access without compromising capabilities. The automated charging system, developed by MJR, allows for efficient charging between vessels, enhancing crew transfer operations at offshore wind farms.
In a landmark agreement, Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK-Line) partnered with Damen Services to introduce an advanced full mission bridge simulator tailored for offshore wind operations. The simulator, built in cooperation with VSTEP Simulation, achieved a critical milestone with the successful completion of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) in October.
Canada’s BC Ferries awarded Damen Shipyards Group the shipbuilding contract for four unique hybrid electric vessels. These vessels will operate exclusively in battery-electric mode, using renewable BC Hydro electricity to power the charging stations. The ships will have a capacity for up to 390 passengers and 47 vehicles, and will use renewable energy and advanced environmental systems.
