New Damen MultiCat for Delta Marine

Lerwick, Shetland based Delta Marine owns and operates a fleet of tugs and workboats in the dredging and marine civil engineering industries, including an increasing involvement in the offshore wind, wave and tidal energy industries. They operate over a wide geographical area, including the UK, Scandinavia, Baltic States, Caspian Sea and the Mediterranean.

Registered in Lerwick and classed by Bureau Veritas, Whalsa Lassis designed for: anchor handling, dredging support, supply, towing, hose handling, survey and ship assist duties and carries the notation I+Hull-MACH Tug for unrestricted navigation. It also satisfies MCA Category 1 workboat requirements for operation 150 miles from shore.

Vital statistics include 26m LOA with a 11.5m beam, 2.25m draught and a displacement of 515 tons. Tank capacities include, 119m³ of fuel oil, 49m³ of fresh water, 60m³ of ballast water, 9.2m³ of black/grey water and 2m³ of dirty oil.

Whalsa Lassboastsan impressive machinery installation, with main propulsion provided by three Caterpillar C32 TTA engines developing in total 1,902 bkW at 1,800 rpm. Three Reintjes WAF464 5.591:1 gearboxes transmit power to three fixed pitch propellers rotating in 1,700mm diameter nozzles. Certified bollard pull is 37.1 tons ahead and 24 tons astern. Auxiliary power comprises two Caterpillar C4.4 generator sets, each delivering 107 kVA, while hydraulic power is provided by a single 375kW Caterpillar C18 unit. Transfer pumps are capable of handling 50m³ of fuel and fresh water per hour.

A comprehensive fit-out of deck machinery was specified, including two Heila HLRM 230 3SL deck cranes, each capable of lifting 10 tons at 16.5m. Towing and anchor handling winches of 90 and 150 tons brake loads respectively are included, the towing winch holding 700m of 40mm wire. A 13 ton pull tugger winch and three foredeck retractable guide pins, together with an afterdeck triple pin type equivalent, two Mampaey towing hooks, bow and stern rollers and a 5 ton capstan, complete the impressive list. Additional equipment includes two 15m spud poles and a stern A-frame for seabed levelling and dredging duties.

Heated and air conditioned accommodation is provided for six persons in three cabins, with an offset wheelhouse containing the usual comprehensive navigation and communication equipment now standard with this type of vessel.

Speaking to MJ, Dave McNaughton, manager of Delta Marine said, “Whalsa Lass has surpassed the design bollard pull of 33 tons with a certified pull of 37.1 tons ahead and 24 tons astern. She was handed over to Delta Marine on 3 November and sailed directly to her first contract with Pelamis Wave Power, towage and trials of the new P2 machine from Leith to Orkney.”

By Peter Barker