The Netherlands: Damen Introduces ‘Twin Axe’ Catamaran for Offshore Wind Farms Support

April 13, 2011

Damen is currently finalising its first “Twin Axe” catamaran, which was designed to support offshore wind farms.

Although the axe-bow concept was developed some five years ago, the Twin Axe offers a more stable platform within its 24-metre loadline.

Compared to conventional catamarans with the same displacement, Damen claims the new concept offers reduced peak accelerations of up to 75 percent, reduced calm water resistance up to 15 percent and reduced added resistance in waves up to 60 percent.

To date Damen has delivered 25 Sea Axe monohulls and 22 are under construction.

The first High Speed Support Vessel 2610 (HSSV 2610) will be introduced in June. In May, the vessel will be subject to a test programme to verify the actual performance against the predictions and model tests.

Special features of this design:

* front fendering designed for impact speeds over 3 knots without damage to the ship’s structure

* aft wheelhouse / accommodation for lowest possible accelerations

* flexibly mounted wheelhouse for lowest possible noise levels

* two-step gearbox for maximum bollard pull without engine overload at 0-speed

* large cargo deck for 2 x 20 ft containers (max. 15 tons)

* diving / rescue platform aft

* high degree of customisation i.e. moonpool and extra accommodation

* fuel transfer option

* trimming of vessel using fore and aft fuel tanks

* extensive endurance

* 3 point mooring system