(HOUSTON) — Damen Shipyards Group has concluded a license agreement with Conrad Industries, allowing the construction of two Damen Multi Cats 3013 for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.
The two vessels covered by this agreement will be the first Damen Multi Cats to be built in the United States. Fully compliant with U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stability criteria, the Multi Cat is an ideal platform for dredging support operations.
“This is a milestone moment for the U.S. shipping industry and our company,” said Lasse Patterson, CEO, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. “The Multi Cats will give us the ability to dredge with enhanced operating efficiencies needed to maintain our shorelines and waterways.”
With its large winches and deck cranes, the Multi Cat can perform a wide range of tasks, including handling submerged and floating pipelines as well as anchor handling and logistics supply. Large tank capacities on board will ensure the Multi Cats can also supply dredgers with the required replenishments.
The Multi Cat eliminates the need for floating support equipment such as derrick barges, towboats and anchor barges. It also increases operational safety, enabling hose and pipe maintenance work to take place securely on deck, reducing the risk of man-overboard incidents.
“These Damen technical cooperation (DTC) licensing agreements are a means by which U.S.-based operators are able to access Damen’s proven vessel portfolio in a manner fully compliant with the Jones Act,” said Daan Dijxhoorn, Damen sales manager. “License holders construct the vessel themselves in the country, drawing upon Damen’s experience in the engineering and production of the platform and on Damen’s support throughout the building process.”
DTC support is tailored to the yard’s requirements. Assistance can range from provision of initial drawings to the supply of parts packages to on-site consultancy. Damen designs built under license in the United States cover a wide range of vessel types, including those operating in the harbor towage, terminal operations, offshore and dredging sectors.
Construction of the first Multi Cat will begin on July 13.
– Damen
