Damen Shipyards Group and Herman Sr. have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for the construction of a new Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) 4916.
The LOI was signed during the Offshore Energy exhibition in Amsterdam on 26 November by Jeroen van Woerkum on behalf of Damen and Chris and Erwin van Dodewaard of behalf of Herman Sr.
The MPV 4916 will be the first in a series of vessels combining the qualities of the Damen Shoalbuster and Multi Cat series to offer next level versatility in the workboat sector.
The vessel’s versatility results from numerous factors. These include its multiple means of positioning such as spud poles, four-point mooring, DP2, and even beaching. With this, the vessel can maintain position in all circumstances, in waters shallow and deep.
The vessel is also prepared for conversion to full electric propulsion in the future. Additionally, the design provides the necessary space to convert to use of dual-fuel methanol engines when the associated technology reaches maturity in the coming years.
John Krielaart, the Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld Design & Proposal Engineer responsible for the MPV 4916: “This is a boat that ticks all the boxes. The MPV 4916 allows for the use of a single platform and crew to perform the widest possible range of workboat operations. The standard vessel can be reconfigured for change of use, or for project specific tasks, offering added value. This is not the first time that Herman Sr. have worked with us on the development of a first in series vessel. The company is to be praised for its willingness to embrace new solutions. We, as Damen, are very fortunate to have such a pioneering client to join us on our journey of maritime innovation.”
Leon Fijnekam, Commercial Manager at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld: “It is a pleasure to be cooperating once again with Herman Sr. Our two companies have a long history of fruitful collaboration and we’re excited to be embarking on this latest adventure together. I have every confidence that the end result will be a vessel that meets the requirements of Herman Sr. and the needs of a maritime industry in transition.”
Erwin van Dodewaard, Commercial Manager at Herman Sr.:“Our long history of cooperation with Damen is the result of our companies’ shared values and way of working. As family businesses, we hold a long-term view, taking care that what we do today will be of benefit to the future generations. A vessel such as this MPV 4916 aligns well with this goal, with its adaptable, versatile profile and its environmentally progressive performance. We’re very much looking forward to the development of this vessel in the coming months.”
Construction of the MPV 4916 is expected to commence early next year at Albwardy Damen’s Sharjah shipyard in the Middle East, with delivery anticipated in 2027.
