Damen delivers Shoalbuster to Kazakhstan owner

Caspian Lotus, a Shoalbuster 3209, will be familiar with other members of the Kazakhstan-based owner’s 50+ strong fleet of vessels and barges, the company being a long-term client of Damen with this latest addition initially starting its career supporting dredging projects in the Persian Gulf.

Caspian Offshore Construction’s association with Damen started in 2006 when it took delivery of a FCS 1605 Fast Crew Supplier, since when its range of Damen vessels has grown to include new-build and previously owned Multi Cats and FCSs.

In the last five years a diverse range of Damen-built vessels have been added to its fleet list, including a Stan Tug 1606, Shoalbuster 3815, Multi Cat 2611, a shallow-draught Multi Cat 3313 and an FCS 4008.

The builder’s standard practice of building for stock led to the quick arrival of Caspian Lotus, delivered by Damen’s Sharjah shipyard just five months after the contract signing.

Details specific to the vessel include a shallow draught of just 3.3m,  80m² of deck space, ample crane capacity and powerful propulsion, Damen describing it as “well suited to its operational scope.”

The Shoalbuster range is offered with a standard specification and options available to suit individual requirements, including additional equipment for specific operations and modifications for operating in certain regions and under various flag and class rules.

Standard specifications

Damen’s catalogue contains seven Shoalbusters ranging from 23 to 36m in length and 45 to 70tbp. The standard specification sheet for the 3209 describes a vessel whose basic functions include towing, mooring, anchor-handling, pushing, support and fire-fighting.

The 32.27m LOA vessel has a beam overall of 9.35m with standard propulsion system listed as two Caterpillar 3512C main engines developing in total 2,610bkW (3,500bhp) powering twin 2.25m Promarin fixed-pitch propellers in Optima nozzles, manoeuvrability enhanced by a 350hp hydraulic bow thruster. Three Caterpillar generator and auxiliary engines complete the main machinery provision.

The standard deck layout of the SB 3209 indicates towing over the stern from a towing and anchor-handling waterfall style winch along with the usual provision of towing pins, stern roller and tugger winch.

Accommodation is provided for nine persons in three single and three double cabins, which applies to the standard specification for the class.

Expansion

Caspian Offshore Construction’s story started in 2003, with its first vessels being two floating hotels. Its service provision and fleet have expanded since, with later additions of note the three Mangystau series icebreaker-classed 66m/52tbp tug/supply vessels.

Initial activities were centred in the Caspian Sea region and around three years ago it commenced operations in the Middle East with a 14-strong fleet of vessels and barges based in the region.

“We must say that apart from other important factors in play, successful development of our project in the Middle East region is also due to our fruitful relationship with Damen Shipyards and their professional team,” said Aleksey Chirkin, general manager, Caspian Offshore Construction Middle East.

“Today, 50% of our regional fleet consists of first-class Damen vessels, which, together with our onshore infrastructure and crews, is often giving us a competitive edge, helping our company to secure and expand our market niche in the region.”

Expressing his “delight” at handing over Caspian Lotus, Marc Tijssen, Damen’s regional sales manager said: “Our successful long-term relationship demonstrates the advantages the Damen philosophy offers maritime operators.

“Building vessels in series in this way not only ensures our clients of the fastest possible delivery time, it also gives them access to platforms that are proven in action and optimally reliable.”