On July 10th, Mr. Juan Pablo Vega, president of Mexican offshore operator Naviera Integral, signed a contract for two Damen Fast Crew Suppliers 5009. With these vessels Naviera Integral will continue to serve its client PEMEX, delivering personnel and cargo from and to platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Both vessels will be operating out of Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico’s main offshore hub.
The 50 m crew boats, designed with the Damen patented Sea Axe bow, are currently under construction at Damen yards in Vietnam. Delivery for the first vessel is expected late November 2013, whereas the second vessel will be handed over to Naviera Integral mid-January 2014. The crew suppliers are the ninth and tenth of this type Damen has delivered to its long-time Mexican client.
The ship type, in the form of Naviera Integral’s ‘Doña Angela Maria T’, was awarded ‘Ship of the Year’ in 2009, at the Dutch Maritime Awards Gala. The main reasons were the proven success of the Sea Axe bow concept, the resulting improved seakeeping in heavy weather (-70% slamming), the Wide Operating Speed Range engines in combination with fixed propellers (allowing for more thrust and higher maximum power at lower cost) and the tested and proven reduction of fuel consumption of 18% (compared to other, conventional crew supply vessels).
Safety
The FCS 5009 is outfitted with a smart ventilation system for the Engine Room, leaving the aft deck free of ventilation ducts, which reduces possible accidents when operating the on-board crane. Furthermore, the ergonomical lay-out of the bridge and the second helmsman seat at the aft steering position, offering high visibility on the aft deck, are instrumental in improving crew-safety. Last, thanks to its seakeeping behaviour, crew remains brisk for a longer period of time and passengers arrive less worn at their destination.
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Damen, July 17, 2013