RoPax passenger ferry hull launched at Niron Staal Amsterdam
Marking the completion of the first new build contract between Niron Staal Amsterdam and Damen Shipyards Group, the hull of a RoPax 5212 passenger ferry hull has been launched from Niron Staal’s facilities in Amsterdam.
Preparations for the launch started early on Tuesday morning when the finished hull was moved out of Niron Staal’s production hall on a multi-wheeled transporter. After travelling the short distance to the quayside, the ferry was transferred to a floating pontoon. Then, representing the vessel’s ceremonial launch, the pontoon was ballasted, thus leaving the ferry free to take to the water for the very first time.
On 1 February, the RoPax hull will be towed to Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld where it will be outfitted ready for final delivery.
The RoPax 5212 hull is a noteworthy project, says Niron Staal Amsterdam Director Roland Berends: “First and foremost, because it is our first new build contract with Damen. And also because it shows the cooperation that we have had with Damen during the build process – the basic and detailed engineering phases have really demonstrated the expertise and experience that has been shared between Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld and Niron Staal Amsterdam.”
The advantage of this cooperation can be seen in the fact that Niron Staal Amsterdam has competed construction of the fully-painted hull in less than three months. “What’s more, all the hot work been completed; a fact that will make the outfitting process also very efficient.”
Niron Staal Amsterdam has fabricated the hull of this passenger ferry in its covered production hall. This provides numerous benefits to the construction process. “By building inside, we can guarantee the highest levels of quality. And, without the influence of the weather, we can complete contracts within the time specified. Furthermore, the whole process is safer because we have the right tools and the right conditions.”
With this first hull construction contract completed, Niron Staal is looking forward to further projects with Damen in the near future. “We are pleased to say that we will be commencing multiple contracts in the spring,” informs Mr Berends. “And, of course, we will be using the lessons learned from this first successful project to continually improve our construction and management processes.”
Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 33 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 6,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 180 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.
Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale values and reliable performance. Furthermore, Damen vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.
Damen offers a wide range of products, including tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and superyachts.
For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of services, including maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and the transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. Damen also offers a variety of marine components, such as nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.
In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has a worldwide network of 16 repair and conversion yards with dry docks ranging up to 420 x 80 metres. Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1,500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.
