Damen Shoalbuster design unveiled

The 27m long, 11m wide Shoalbuster (SBu) 2711 offers operators a means to comply with new MLC regulations that stipulate increased accommodation capacity. By increasing the width of the SBu 2709 (with accommodation for six people) by two metres, Damen has achieved accommodation for seven people with the new vessel.

The increased width has resulted in increased stability. “This has multiple benefits,” explained Damen manager of design & proposal, John Krielaart. “For example, it means that, without actually increasing crane capacity, this new vessel can lift more over the side.”

More capacity

He added: “Furthermore, because this wider vessel has more buoyancy, it can carry more or heavier equipment on the larger deck space. Bollard pull is increased as we were able to install larger, more powerful nozzles. We are also pleased to announce that this SBu 2711 has anchor handling notation – the extra stability allows it to handle bigger and heavier anchors.”

Additionally, the SBu 2711 is still within the 24m load line length. “This is a key point for operators working in UK waters or out of UK ports, one that makes this vessel a very interesting proposition,” Mr Krielaart stated. “In fact, because it will be able to compete with larger vessels, we expect that this new design will be a real money maker for these operators.”

By Rebecca Jeffrey