New order shows growing market for multi-purpose vessels

The 27-metre vessel, to be named Protunus, will be delivered by the end of the year and will support a range of offshore operations, combining anchor handling, towage, dredge support and cargo-related duties, in a single platform. The vessel will be deployed globally in support of offshore, salvage, terminal and liquid cargo operations.

The Multi Cat 2712 is designed for unrestricted waters and offers 32 tonnes of bollard pull, enabling towing and positioning work in demanding marine environments. The vessel includes a 150-square-metre working deck with deck storage, two heavy-duty cranes and an anchor-handling winch. A bow thruster is included to improve manoeuvrability during offshore operations and close-quarters work.

Its operational profile reflects growing demand for multi-purpose support vessels capable of undertaking varied assignments without the need for specialist tonnage. Damen said the vessel can be used for anchor handling, dredging support, offshore logistics, pushing, transport and hose handling, allowing operators to move between offshore energy, port and terminal-related work.

Modifications

While based on a standard Damen platform, the vessel will include several modifications. These include enlarged accommodation facilities, an additional changing room, extra towing pins and a winch integrated with the crane system to support the owner’s operational requirements.

The vessel has also been designed to be ready for compliance with International Maritime Organization Tier III emissions standards. Protunus plans to install a selective catalytic reduction system supplied by Damen that is intended to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by around 80%.

“The Protunus is an important next step in strengthening our operational capabilities,” said Ryan van de Pol, master and co-owner of the vessel. “The vessel will support both our internal projects and international charter activities, while maintaining the flexibility, reliability and versatility required within the offshore and maritime support sector.”

Damen said the vessel was already under construction at its yard in Gorinchem under the company’s speculative build programme, shortening delivery time for the buyer.

“The contract is the result of pleasant and open discussions,” said Damen Sales Manager Benelux Marc Tijssen. “Protunus has provided us with clear input regarding what they expect from their vessel.”

The delivery follows other recent additions to Europe’s offshore support and workboat fleet. In late 2023, Damen delivered a Multi Cat 2712 to Scotland-based Maritime Craft Services for offshore energy, towing and cable support work, highlighting continuing demand for compact multi-role vessels in the North Sea market.

Multiple orders for multi-purpose vessels

The order comes amid sustained demand in Europe for multi-purpose offshore support vessels capable of moving between offshore energy, towage and cargo-related work without requiring specialist tonnage for each assignment.

Operators are increasingly investing in flexible platforms that can support varied offshore and port activities while adapting to changing market demand.

Recent examples include Olympic Boreas, delivered in 2024 to Norwegian operator Olympic for offshore energy work in the North Sea. The commissioning service operation vessel combines accommodation, cargo handling, walk-to-work functionality and subsea support capabilities, enabling it to undertake a range of offshore duties from a single platform.

Another example is Serkeborg, operated by Dutch group Wagenborg Offshore, which is designed for towing, cargo transport, anchor handling and shallow-water support operations. Meanwhile, UK-based Seacat Services operates Seacat Liberty, a multi-purpose support vessel used in offshore wind projects, combining personnel transfer, cargo handling and maintenance support functions.