SeaZip expands fleet with Damen duo

Dutch SeaZip Offshore Services has expanded its fleet with two Damen Fast Crew Suppliers (FCS) 2610, named SeaZip 5 and SeaZip 6, respectively. The offshore service provider now has six Damen FCS 2610 vessels in its fleet. 

“Once again, it’s a great pleasure to work with SeaZip Offshore Services,” states Damen Sales Manager Benelux Roel van Eijle. “We are proud to be involved with the development of their fleet since day one. An April delivery suits their needs perfectly – these two vessels can get to work straight away as this year’s offshore wind operations and maintenance period begins.”

While the catamaran crew suppliers are regularly seen around offshore wind farms, according to Damen, they are also suitable for offshore oil and gas operations.

The shipbuilder cited an example of SeaZip 4, it had previously delivered to SeaZip Offshore Services. Namely, the SeaZip 4 is about to strat its second season providing logistics support to Heerema Marine Contractors in their installation and decommissioning operations in the oil and gas sector.

Fine tuning

According to SeaZip’s Managing director Jan Reier Arends, the latest catamaran duo is a bit different compared to its predecessors, as modifications have been made to both vessels increase their draught.

Arends said: “By strengthening the hull in certain areas, the vessels are able to sit 5 cm lower in the water. This will allow us to load an additional 5 tonnes of cargo – this is a 25% increase of loading capacity. We will be able to carry a lot more equipment and materials.”

The Managing Director also added: “You can call this fine tuning – coming from lessons that we have learned from the earlier SeaZip vessels. For example, together with the fender supplier, we have improved the bow fenders.”

Arends hinted that the company would not stop at six Damen fast crew suppliers: “We have a good working relationship with Damen. This helps a lot when we are discussing new concepts and new vessels. The technical communication with the new build department, in particular, is very supportive. When brainstorming over the SeaZip 7 and 8, for instance.”