The Netherlands: Three Damen Twin Axe FCS 2610 Delivered

Three more Damen Twin Axe Fast Crew Suppliers are on their way to Maritime Craft Services (Clyde) Ltd and are expected to arrive in Europe in early May. Based in Largs, Ayrshire, MCS ordered the three Twin Axe FCS 2610, just months after taking delivery of its first two catamarans.

All of the vessels are deployed in supporting offshore wind farms and in maintenance activities.

With more than 30 years experience, the Scottish family firm operates a 19-strong fleet of tugs and workboats internationally and already has several Damen vessels including Multi Cats and Shoalbusters. MCS has been active in the offshore wind market for many years but decided to enter the crew transfer market in 2011.

MCS CEO, Mr Dirk Kuijt, says:

“The Damen product comes up trumps again. The revolutionary Twin Axe Catamaran design pierces smoothly through the waves, reducing slamming to a minimum which makes it very comfortable for the crew and i’s passengers. With the usual high standard of Damen Shipyards’ finishing, the FCS 2610 is proven to be very reliable and more than capable of doing the job it is designed and intended for. “

Five vessels

The company’s first Twin Axe FCS 2610, MCS Sirocco was delivered in June 2012 and the second, MCS Pampero, in December last year. The three new vessels, MCS Boreas, MCS Blue Norther and MCS Levanto are sister vessels to MCS Pampero.

All the vessels have been built in Damen Shipyards Singapore, which is a Group specialist in high-speed aluminium craft.

MCS Pampero

Mr Casper Vermeulen, Damen Sales Manager Europe, says:

“MCS Pampero represents the ‘Damen Standard’ FCS 2610, with a larger wheelhouse and superstructure, providing more accommodation space than the first model. The MCS Pampero also has a wrap-around fender to improve impact absorption and this is now being retrofitted to the MCS Sirocco.”

Additional info – Fast Crew Supplier 2610 an ‘Industry Standard’

The Twin Axe design is a further development of Damen’s pioneering and highly successful Sea Axe concept. This unique hull form gives unparalleled seakeeping behaviour and means that the vessel can travel at full speed (26 knots), while still providing a safe and comfortable ride for the crew. The vessel can easily handle 2.5 m significant wave heights, without losing any performance and extensive tests have proven that the vessel reduces bow slamming entirely under certain conditions.

Introduced to the market in June 2011, the Damen Twin Axe Fast Crew Supplier 2610 is already establishing itself as “The Industry Standard” for the offshore wind industry.

“Damen was delighted when a major wind turbine manufacturer put out a tender requiring that companies deploy Twin Axe vessels when handling its turbines,” he says.

Damen is the only Twin Axe manufacturer.

Building for stock

And although the vessel has been eagerly adopted by the offshore wind industry, the vessel is suitable in multiple roles and provides a very stable platform for diving support for instance. It can easily be converted back into a FCS overnight. To meet demand for the Twin Axe FCS 2610 Damen builds them continuously for stock.

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Press Release, March 22, 2013