New ‘Dintlestroom’ and ‘MP3002’ support Falklands contract – by Jack Gaston

The vessels will be stationed in the Falklands to support a contract placed with the Sliedrecht based company by the Marine & Salvage Department of the British Ministry of Defence to provide harbour support, mooring and single point mooring maintenance, general support and coastal re-supply services.

Van Wijngaarden has been carrying out harbour support duties for the British Government with the Giessenstroom since 2007. The value of the new ten year contact, which commenced in April 2009 and embraces the additional duties, is reported to be some £39M.

Dintlestroom and MP3002 were delivered on 6 November. Founder and director Wim van Wijngaarden explained that the vessels were built specially for the MOD contract, adding, ‘This is the largest contract our company has ever signed in its 35 year existence.’

The Dintlestroom left the Netherlands with the MP3002 in tow bound for the South Atlantic soon after the christening ceremony. It is intended to complete the 7,025 mile voyage to the Falklands non-stop, without bunker stops. MP3002 is carrying 100 tons of fuel oil and will serve as bunker boat for the tug during the trip. Depending on the weather conditions, the voyage will take approximately forty days. Dintlestroom and its crew of six is under the command of Captain Peter van Wijngaarden.

Dintlestroom is a Damen Shoalbuster 3009 and, with a few notable modifications, is virtually identical to the Giessenstroom, built in 2007 (Maritime Journal February 2007). Both tugs were completed by Damen Shipyards, Hardinxveld and extensively customised to meet precisely the needs of the owner. The tug is capable of towing, pushing, anchor handling and supply duties. Particular emphasis has been placed on versatility and, unlike the Giessenstroom, this later vessel is also equipped for fire fighting.

A vessel of 30.08m in length overall and 9.35m beam, Dintlestroom has a maximum draught of 3.20m. The tug is powered by two Caterpillar 3512B TA/C main engines, each delivering 1,230kW at 1,600 rpm, a total of 3,344bhp. Two 2,250mm diameter propellers rotate within fixed high performance nozzles and are driven via the two Reijntjes reverse/reduction gearboxes. Manoeuvrability is enhanced with a 250hp hydraulically powered bow thruster. On trials a bollard pull of over 45 tons was achieved and a maximum speed of almost 12 knots.

Electrical power is supplied by two Caterpillar C4.4 DITA auxiliary generators rated at 105kVA. Also installed is a Caterpillar C18 TA-B of 479bhp to drive two hydraulic pumps supplying hydraulic systems for the deck machinery and bow thruster. A fourth auxiliary, a Caterpillar 3406E of 355bhp, powers the fire pump.

A Ridderinkhof ‘waterfall style’ twin drum towing and anchor handling winch is located on the centreline, aft of the superstructure. The towing drum has a maximum brake capacity of 100 tons, and a maximum line pull of 50 tons. A 900m towline of 40mm diameter steel wire rope (SWR) can be accommodated. The anchor handling drum, located close to the deck, has a maximum brake capacity of 150 tons, a maximum line pull of 100 tons and carries a 600m work-wire of 51mm diameter SWR.

Other deck equipment includes a Brevini 8 ton tugger winch and a Heila HLRM 170-3sl crane. The spacious work deck has a working/cargo area of 80 sq/m and is equipped with a stern roller and hydraulic towing pins. Two 20 foot containers can be carried and/or a 36 man crew accommodation unit (5.80 x 4.35 x 3.15m) for transporting passengers. A 5m, 20hp steel workboat is available for various support tasks.

In keeping with its sister ship, Dintlestroom is equipped with the latest navigation and communication equipment and classed for Unrestricted Navigation.

Multipurpose

The multipurpose work barge MP3002, was built at the Neptune Shipyard in Hardinxveld-Giessendam and commissioned simultaneously with Dintlestroom. MP3002 is not self propelled and will be pushed or towed by Dintlestroom. Two Ridderinkhof coupling winches are mounted aft specifically for the purpose. The 398 ton barge is 30m long with a beam of 13m, a deck area of 270 sq/m and a maximum draught of 2.75m.

MP3002 will be deployed in the waters around the Falklands for a range of tasks, including supplying fuel, transporting containers and vehicles, use as a diving platform, and carrying out maintenance work on marine installations, including an SPM buoy. The barge is double skinned and has dedicated tanks to transport fuel, lubricating oil, fresh water, ballast and waste water. Vehicles are loaded and transported using removable steel ramps and a maximum of six 20 foot containers can be carried and secured by means of 32 attachment points.

Two Ridderinkhof anchor winches mounted on the bow can be used in combination with the coupling winches and two 1,000 kg ‘Delta Flipper’ anchors to provide a four point mooring system. MP3002 also has two Ridderinkhof work winches for lifting and anchor handling, used in conjunction with a bow roller and hydraulic pins or with a 100 ton capacity ‘A’ frame at the stern. Two Heila deck cranes are fitted; one HLRM 280-3sl incorporating a 5,000kN winch and one HLRM 200-3sl. Two Caterpillar 3406C TA/C 365bhp auxiliary diesels provide power for the deck machinery and a Caterpillar C4.4 DITA – 105 KVa auxiliary and a HATZ – 20 KVa set supply electrical power.