Admiral Vidal Francisco Soberón Sanz takes part in a symbolic coin ceremony at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding
On Thursday 17th August, the Secretary of the Mexican Navy, Admiral Vidal Francisco Soberón Sanz, took part in a symbolic coin ceremony at DAMEN Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) at Vlissingen in the Netherlands, the company announces in its press release.
He was accompanied by the Secretary of National Defense, General Salvador Cienfuegos. The ceremony is a part of the shipbuilding process, traditionally aimed at attracting good fortune for a vessel under construction. On this occasion, the vessel is a DAMEN Sigma 10514 Long Range Patrol Vessel.
The Mexican Navy is a long-standing client of DAMEN and currently operates no fewer than ten DAMEN vessels in its fleet. The project for a Sigma 10514 was signed earlier this year.
As with the previous Sigma vessels DAMEN built for the Indonesian Navy, the vessel for Mexico will be constructed modularly, with shipbuilding activities taking place in both the Netherlands and Mexico. Two of the six modules will be constructed at DSNS’ location in Vlissingen, whilst the remaining four will be built ata Mexican Shipyard. Upon conclusion, the six modules will be integrated in Mexico. This way DAMEN contributes to the development of the shipbuilding capabilities of the Mexican Naval Industry related to control, propulsion, and detection systems.
A DAMEN spokesperson said of the contract, “We are extremely proud to have been chosen for this high profile project. This vessel will once again demonstrate Damen’s capabilities to build for any country in the world in order to meet client requirements. The Sigma 10514 will play a key role in the Mexican Navy’s plans to modernise its fleet.”
The Sigma 10514 is designed to undertake a wide range of missions. The vessel will allow the Mexican Navy to participate in international exercises, humanitarian missions, and to increase its presence in its territorial watersand Economic Exclusive Zone of the country.
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.
Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) has a worldwide network of sixteen repair and conversion yards of which twelve are located in North West Europe. Facilities at the yards include more than 50 floating and (covered) drydocks, the largest of which is 420 x 90 metres, as well as slopes, ship lifts and indoor halls. Projects range from the smallest simple repairs through Class’ maintenance to complex refits and the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1,350 repair and maintenance jobs annually, both at yards as well as in ports and during voyage.
