The following is the text of a news release from Damen Shipyards Group:
(GORINCHEM, Netherlands) — Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with Canada-based Ocean Group for the delivery of two Modular Multi Cats 1205. The vessels, which are made of standard, container-sized units for easy transportation anywhere in the world, will serve as dredging support vessels on an oil sands project in the north of Canada.
Ocean operates mainly in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and now in western Canada. Ocean has nearly 850 employees and is one of the largest providers of marine solutions in Canada. Its core businesses are towing, pilot boat, marine services, equipment rental and dredging.
The Damen Multi Cat is a versatile workboat with an extensive track record in many sectors. It is used for towing and anchor handling, dive support, marine engineering, offshore energy operations and for dredging and dredging support operations.
The location of the oil sands tailings ponds upon which the new vessels will work is inland and not easily accessible by water. The modular nature of the vessels means that they can be easily transported to site by truck and then quickly assembled for operation on location. The modularity of the design also makes any future relocations straightforward.
Because one of the vessels was in stock already, the first delivery will take place in February, less than three months following the signing of contract. The second vessel, which is being built at Damen Shipyards Kozle in Poland, will follow in the second quarter of 2018.
Damen has a strong relationship with Group Ocean, dating back to 2011. This is the second contract between the two companies, whose shared approach and philosophy ensures a smooth, dynamic and complementary flow of work.. The synergy between both companies has been proven during the first join project for the construction of Ocean’s first TSHD which Damen was providing all technical support and the steel/component package for the construction of this vessel at Ocean’s shipyard.
