The versatility of this new vessel will be more than adequately demonstrated during their future involvement in the massive 'Globe Island' construction contract in Dubai.

First conceived by Henk Bruins, former Managing Director of Damen Marine Services (DMS), the Shoalbuster design was the result of intensive collaboration between DMS and the Damen Shipyard at Hardinxveld. From the outset the aim was to produce a tug/workboat capable of meeting the needs of clients involved in dredging support and marine civil engineering. The major requirements to be met were; a shallow draft, a good towing performance, sufficient buoyancy for lifting and anchor-handling, adequate deck space aft and provision for a powerful crane.

A double chine hull form was developed incorporating twin propellers and fixed high performance nozzles located in shallow tunnels beneath the stern.

Since the introduction of the first Shoalbuster in 1995 (bearing the name of the series) almost 20 vessels have been completed and at least two others are under construction. During the lifetime of the project versions from 19m to 26m have been produced, with a beam of 7, 8 or 9m as appropriate. Hence, a 19m version is designated a Shoalbuster 1907, the 22m a Shoalbuster 2208 and so on. The level of power installed for the twin-screw propulsion system has varied from 1096bhp to 2200bhp in the latest variant and the size of the deck crane has gradually increased.

This latest version designated the Shoalbuster 2609 retains all of the popular features of the original shallow draft twin screw tug but considerable attention has been paid to improving its seagoing capability. The most important features are the introduction of a raised forecastle, a higher superstructure and redesigned wheelhouse. All of these were required to enable the vessels to comply with Bureau Veritas classification and meet Dutch Shipping Inspectorate rules for 'Unrestricted' and GMDSS Area 3 operation. Although Shoalbusters of the original design regularly carry out coastal and short sea operations, restrictions placed on maximum distances (in some cases 60nm) from a safe haven were no longer acceptable to some operators.

Initially, the hulls and all major steel work for a batch of four vessels of the new version were completed in Poland and towed to Hardinxveld and Gorinchem to be fitted out. Following the same underwater configuration as earlier vessels, the shallow draft hull is 26.02m in length overall, with a maximum beam of 9.35m and average draft aft of 2.60m.

A deep 'push knee' on the bow is suitably fendered and houses a hydraulically powered bow thruster. A new wheelhouse design, with outward sloping windows giving much improved all round vision, is incorporated and new vertical exhaust uptakes of restricted size are positioned to avoid creating visual blind spots. The vessels are also fitted with larger, Effer 120000 2S, deck cranes of 120 tonnes/metre lifting capacity and twin-drum towing and anchor-handling winches by Ridderinkhof.

Two Caterpillar 3508B TA/C diesels rated at 2200bhp (1642kW) provide the main propulsion power, driving twin fixed pitch Promarin propellers via Reintjes WAF 562 gearboxes with a ratio of 5.42:1. Fixed Van der Giessen 'Optima' nozzles are fitted, to produce a bollard pull of 29 tonnes and maximum speed of 11 knots.

Although DMS had originally intended to operate at least three of the new tugs under their own colours on the Dubai contract, these were quickly sold prior to fitting out to Dutch owners. In keeping with normal practice at DMS and Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, all three were carefully customised to meet the client's specific needs.

The first tug of the new version, the Amstelstroom , was delivered, in March of this year to Dutch marine contractors Van Wijngaarden Marine Services BV of Sliedrecht ( Maritime Journal - April cover story).

Amstelstroom is now the largest tug in the Wijngaarden fleet of thirteen vessels - used mainly in support of the dredging industry. The vessel was significantly customised with a higher wheelhouse with larger windows and an additional deck to enable more accommodation and mess room facilities to be incorporated. Following a christening ceremony in the Netherlands on the on 26 March the tug sailed immediately to operate under contract in Spain.

Within two weeks the second vessel Camperduin was delivered to Viegers & Son (Tugboat Services) of Andijk. This tug replaces an earlier Shoalbuster 2509 of the same name that has now joined the DMS fleet as DMS Condor and is already working on the contract in Dubai. The new Camperduin was formally christened on the 14 April and sailed for Dubai a few days later.

After a further two weeks the new Tarka was completed at Hardinxveld for Herman Sr. BV of Zwindrecht. She replaces an earlier Tarka (the first ever Shoalbuster 2409) recently sold to operators in West Africa. Herman Sr BV also operate Herman , aShoalbuster 2208 built for the company in 2002. The new Tarka is an excellent example of a standard Damen Shoalbuster 2609 that has been customised sufficiently to meet the needs of it's owner/master and proprietor of the company Jack van Dodewaard. Most of the individual features incorporated in this way relate to owner's preferences in vessel operation and comfort.

In terms of construction and main propulsion machinery, Tarka differs little from other vessels in the present series.

Electrical power is supplied by two John Deere, type 4045 -TF 258 alternators, each with a capacity of 87kVA, located in the engineroom. This installation differs from other vessels only in that one unit is fully silenced and contained in an insulated housing.

A further John Deere diesel is used to power the bow thruster and deck hydraulics system, including the crane, winches and towing pins. Also accommodated in the engineroom is a silenced Alup (screw type) compressor with a capacity of 3,100 cu/litres/ hour and an Alto high-pressure washer. High capacity transfer systems, complete with meters, are installed for the rapid transfer of fuel and fresh water.

On deck, Tarka is fitted with the usual twin drum towing winch, a small tugger winch, towing pins and stern roller. Hydraulically operated towing pins, also fitted to Camperduin , are controlled from the wheelhouse and were specially designed to enable them to be installed in the limited headroom available in the after-peak. The Effer 120000 crane fitted to Tarka is a model 3S, which includes a third jib extension, one more than the 2S installed on the other tugs. The crane has a lifting capacity of 18,500kg at 5.65m radius and 6,500kg at its maximum reach of 15.07m. A small portable console and radio link enables the crane to be remotely controlled from anywhere around the vessel.

The bridge layout onboard Tarka is highly individual and arranged to give a light and modern appearance. A large central control console, arranged in a 'U' configuration, contains all of the major propulsion, steering, auto-pilot and principle navigational controls and instruments - all within easy reach of the 'skippers' chair. Large display screens enable electronics charting, radar, GPS and other information to be displayed in a flexible and logical manner.

Overhead consoles are used to house additional instrumentation and alarm panels for main engines and auxiliaries. Two additional control desks are provided, one either side of the main console, to house the tugs computer systems, radio equipment, and additional navigational equipment. A further control console is located at the aft end of the wheelhouse with an excellent view of the working deck, and a full set of controls and displays for electronic charts, GPS and radar. Radio and other communications equipment is fitted to meet the requirements of GMDSS Area 3 standards.

Fully air-conditioned accommodation is provided for five persons in single cabins, with a galley, sanitary and storage spaces fitted out to a high standard. Crew messing facilities aboard Tarka are provided in the wheelhouse - with a large table and adequate seating.

Tarka was christened at Hardinxveld on 29 April by Jack v Dodewaard's sister-in-law Mrs Isobelle Febles. Within just a few days final preparations were completed for the voyage to Dubai and she sailed from the Netherlands on 6 May with the hopper barge Seine in tow.

The fourth tug in this new series of Shoalbusters is currently being fitted out in the assembly hall at Hardinxveld and bears the name DMS Globe. She will have the same basic machinery and equipment as her predecessors and is also scheduled to join her sister-ships Camperduin and Tarka in the Middle East. A further Shoalbuster 2609 was recently ordered by UK operator Maritime Craft Services (Clyde) Ltd with delivery expected later this year in early December.

The work to be undertaken by this growing fleet of Shoalbusters represents the largest single contract ever awarded to Damen Marine Services. Organised by the Managing Director of DMS, Mr Wim Crum, the fleet will provide towage and barge handling services to Dutch contractor Van Oord NV during the construction of 'Globe Island' off the coast of Dubai.

The client Nakheel of Dubai is also responsible for developing the now famous 'Jumeirah Palm Islands' and the smaller 'Logo Islands' under construction by Van Oord. Globe Island comprises a group of separate Islands representing the continents of the world measuring 6km by 4km. Construction of the oval shaped group of islands required the movement of some 125 million cu/m of sand and 13 million tonnes of rock.

During the three-year contract the tugs' main task will be to handle the barges and side-dumping vessels used to handle the rock. Dutch towage contractor ITC will deliver rock to the site by sea and the Shoalbusters will give assistance to the seagoing tugs and barges and carry out the necessary movements on-site.

At present a fleet of five Shoalbusters is envisaged, some of which are already onsite.

The new Shoalbuster 2609 tugs Camperduin , Tarka and DMS Globe will join the DMSCondor (Shoalbuster 2509, ex Camperduin ) and DMS Falcon (Shoalbuster 2409) to tackle one of the largest marine civil engineering tasks in the world.