Dutch Multi Cat workboat christened

Netherlands-based Van Wijngaarden Marine Services (VWMS) has formerly welcomed the latest addition to its already sizeable Damen-built workboat and tug fleet following the naming ceremony for Waddenstroom, the largest Multi Cat in the Dutch shipbuilder’s portfolio.

The Multi Cat 3713 was named recently at VWMS’ premises in Hardinxveld-Giessendam by Mrs Cory van Wijngaarden-Dekker together with her great-granddaughter, Leandra Biesheuvel. Waddenstroom now joins six other Damen vessels, the similar but smaller Multi Cat 3013 Kilstroom and five tugs comprising two Shoalbuster 3512s (61tbp), two Shoalbuster 3009s (45tbp) and a Shoalbuster 2609 (30tbp).

The vessel was ordered in May 2023 while under construction as part of Damen’s series build strategy allowing its early delivery. While based on the standard design and as normal with individual orders, Waddenstroom was modified to meet the client’s specific needs, in particular to ensure its suitability for supporting the offshore renewables energy sector for which it has DP2 capability.

Modifications included adaptation of the steel work and deck to accommodate the range of equipment VWMS requires to fulfil its diverse work scope. The vessel’s owner maintains “exacting” standards for crew comfort and 10 of the vessel’s 16 berths are above deck.

Waddenstroom details

Waddenstroom meets IMO Tier III requirements via Damen’s in-house developed Marine NOX Reduction System, the vessel ensuring optimal efficiency and reductions of both fuel consumption and emissions from a diesel-electric propulsion arrangement.

The vessel has four Caterpillar main engine/gensets: a type C32-TTA ACERT, two C32 ACERT models and a type C4.4 genset. Veth provides the thrusters comprising two VZ900 FP azimuth thrusters (two 825ekW E-motors) and two CJ1000V, 325ekW 360’ rotatable bow thrusters. Performance figures include 35tbp (approx) and speed 11kn.

Deck equipment for the BV-classed vessel includes two HS Marine AKC 410/18 HE3 deck cranes with a hydraulic winch on the forward model; a Kraaijeveld towing/anchor-handling winch of 100t and 150t load respectively for each application; two 12t tugger winches; one Tugpin GP2S1; and bow and stern rollers.

Listed as “optional” by VWMS are a 50t A-frame (25t with plough), a water-injection dredging system, four-point mooring system, ROV – diving operations platform and a power supply up to 125A 50/60Hz.

Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld commercial manager Jeroen van Woerkum said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved with the Waddenstroom. This is an innovative vessel that meets all the current requirements for sustainable performance. We are also very proud that VWMS continues to place its trust in Damen. Our two companies have enjoyed an excellent relationship for a considerable time now and it’s a pleasure to see this continue into the next generation with Peter van

Peter van Wijngaarden, managing director of VWMS, said: “As Dutch maritime family companies, Damen and VWMS have long shared the same values. What we see as we move forward is that we continue to align with one another. With this, we can work together on developing vessels that meet the technical and sustainable requirements of the maritime industry of today and tomorrow.”