Stellendam-based, Maaskant Shipyards, part of Damen Shipyards Group, is involved in the refit of research vessel ‘MV Tridens’ (length 73 metre, width 14 metre) owned by governmental shipowner Rijksrederij.
According to the company, this project is the largest refurbishment job in Maaskant Shipyards’ history.
The Maaskant Shipyards’ team performed the assembly of the latest Simrad sonar and echo sounder within the drop keel and the drop keel itself, and an additional range of innovative applications.
Those involved in the refurbishment project went on board the research vessel Celtic Explorer to determine the applications viable to apply on the Tridens. Using that example, the team determined the most favourable arrangement of the (sonar) transducers within the drop keel to track shoals effectively.
Manufacturing and adjusting the trunk, a kind of elevator shaft, in which the drop keel is to be lowered three metres below ship, lasted 27 work days. After that the Simrad units and multibeam for the drop keel and the operator station have to be inserted. Rijksrederij workers have been closely involved in these works as well.
According to the company, the refit job should be done before 2nd March, 2015. By then the research vessel will be equipped with a number of refurbished cabins for the crew, and all propulsion parts will be overhauled.
After the conversion, the vessel will be be deployed for survey work.