Break the ice

In an industry where the need for more cohesion between students, schools and companies is apparent, Damen Shipyards Group and the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), along with other partners, have set the right example. Five students designed their own minor and the outcome has caught the eye of several potential customers.

Martijn Obers and Max van der Zalm are two of the five third year maritime engineering students who had the option of filling in their own minor. Van der Zalm: ”We could choose whatever subject we wanted, within boundaries, of course. The reason we chose the Arctic is because it is firstly a hot topic and secondly many companies are working to innovate for this area. It just seemed the right way to go.” This theory would indeed prove correct.

The basics

The minor consisted of three elements, starting with a literary study in cooperation with the Aalto university in Finland. This study along with element two, the comparison of three Damen vessels, would form the basis of their third and final element: a design for an Arctic vessel. Obers: ”The studies showed us that despite existing vessel types a completely new design would be necessary.”

Arctic Modular Towing Supply Vessels

And so the AMTSV or Arctic Modular Towing Supply Vessels came to pass. It is the proud conclusion of what five young students can achieve with the support and guidance of, amongst others, the professionals of Damen and maritime research institute Marin. The unique 100 metre vessel has two bows meaning that in open water she will sail ‘forward’ and through ice she will essentially sail ‘backwards’ – thrusters first. Van der Zalm comments: ”This is not a new idea, but the veritable ‘double-bow’ vessel is a concept which is part of the structural lay-out of the ship. Meaning it could be classed as such. Using the thrusters to sail through ice has the added bonus creating a flow round the hull which decreases friction.” The vessel is capable of operating out at sea for eight to twelve months, can handle an ice level up to 1.6 metres at a speed of three knots.

Double effectiveness

Van der Zalm: ”The vessel cannot only sail in both directions, she is also able to tow in both directions. A 300 tonne double acting winch is installed inside the accommodation to protect it from the harsh weather conditions. The lack colour of the vessel is also no coincidence. Black retains a certain warmth, which is comfortable for the people aboard the vessel.” Further to this comment, Damen states that: “No compromises on crew conditions are made, by allowing the crew to work in the Enclosed Superstructure – ESS – located behind the conventional superstructure. This superstructure can be kept up above zero degrees with an outside temperature of -55 degrees. The ESS is not only useful for the crew, but temperature sensitive cargo can also be kept in this area.”

LNG

The Arctic was not the only environmental challenge as the vessel is also required to be climate-friendly. ”The concept vessel will run on LNG, Liquefied Natural Gas, with dual fuel engines”, continues Obers. ”This did pose a slight problem, as LNG requires a certain amount of storage space. Luckily ice-strengthened vessels have a low centre of gravity due to the amount of steel weight in the hull. As such the LNG tanks can be placed on top of the enclosed structure. The studies we did beforehand along with the support of all the partners involved helped us to think in solutions.”

Cooperation is key

When speaking to Van der Zalm and Obers you get a real sense of achievement. Van der Zalm: “We had no idea that the project would become this big and that we would have our own office at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem where we would be supported and encouraged in this manner. We really want to say a big thank you to all the people that helped us make our minor an absolute success. We will certainly encourage next years students to delve deeper into the Arctic area. There are many more achievements waiting.” This story really is a prime example of how companies, universities and students can become partners and create something new and innovative.

Rebecca McFedries