Page 44: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q4 2013)

SHIPBUILDING Looking Offshore Damen currently collects just 10 percent of its $1.8 billion annual turnov er from its offshore division, but with several new offerings catering to the offshore sector, that seems likely to change. That?s because the company has launched several new offshore designs in recent years, ranging from Platform Supply Vessels, Construction Support Vessels and Fast Crew Suppliers to Offshore Carriers and Heavy Lift Vessels. And just as with tugs and other workboats, Damen upholds its worldwide approach; the company?s increased offshore production is not limited to region. ?We see opportunities globally, that?s our nature and way of doing business,? van Os said. ?However, there are some marked opportunities in South America, Western Europe and Scandinavia, a few North African countries, South Africa (where we have Damen Shipyards Cape Town and a Service Hub), Australia and Singapore.? And, be- cause Damen often partners with other builders to supply design models, the opportunities available to the Netherlands-based business probably exceed that which is immediately evident. Damen?s plans for a steady growth and development in the offshore sector incorporate ?more advanced technological niches,? van Os said, but still maintain a standardized produc- tion approach. ?You?ll probably see us moving from PSVs for simple transport/supply jobs etc., via lighter/underside-of-market OSVs/OCVs and via rather serious AHTSs and FIRMs, to more high-end OSVs/OCVs, subsea support/con-struction vessels etc.?but all in good time.? He adds, ?We know our place in the offshore market, and because we also know what we want and what we?re capable of, we will move up in a gradual and modest way,? van Os continued, emphasiz- ing ?quality for clients  rst.? A major point of focus for Damen?s offshore series is its PSV 3300, the  rst of which, World Diamond, was built in Damen?s Galati yard and delivered in June 2013 as part of a six-vessel order from Norwegian company World Wide Supply (WWS). The 3300, one of  ve Platform Supply Ves- sel offerings from Damen, features long, more ef cient hull shape, diesel electric propulsion, dynamic positioning (DP2) capabilities and increased crew comfort amenities. The  fth PSV for WWS, World Opal, was delivered in November. Four of the PSV 3300s secured long term contracts for Petrobras, while the remaining two are expected to operate in the North Sea under the spot charter market. Opportunity is Blowin? in the Wind Damen has also made strides in offshore wind, bringing stan- dardization to a specialty market that desperately needs it ? and with good results. Damen delivered 25 FCS 2610 twin axe cat- amarans in 25 months and is currently building them for stocks as orders continue to come in. With the success of the 2610, Damen is now producing a smaller version, the FCS 2008. In a market categorized by specialty, Damen is essentially creat- ing vessels that can be standardized, yet  t in with other ves- sel ranges or even other markets. ?We have high hopes for the ??We see opportunities globally, that?s our nature and way of doing business ? We know our place in the offshore market, and because we also know what we want and what we?re capable of, we will move up in a gradual and modest way. Jan van Os, Offshore Director, Damen 44 I Maritime Professional I 4Q 2013MP #4 34-49.indd 44MP #4 34-49.indd 4412/12/2013 3:23:13 PM12/12/2013 3:23:13 PM