Ports of Jersey opts for Damen

Damen Shipyards Group and the Ports of Jersey have signed a contract for a Shoalbuster 2711 – the second vessel of its kind ever to be built.

The new vessel will be the second Damen vessel to be operated by the Ports of Jersey, which has operated a Damen Shoalbuster 2709, named Duke of Normandy, for the past fifteen years.

Commenting the latest news, Donford Nicholas, operations and commercial manager, said: “Since our incorporation, Ports of Jersey Marine Services department has developed a presence in the commercial maritime world, while still undertaking regular maintenance work in local waters.

“With an expanding work scope we needed a vessel with increased capability. We were looking for something that could support a wide range of tasks, including engineering and survey projects.”

Ports of Jersey selected the Damen Shoalbuster 2711 after visiting the first of its kind on display at the Seawork exhibition in Southampton.

The Shoalbuster 2711 is an evolved version of the 2709, Damen said.

An additional two meters of beam provide extra stability, work space, storage and space for a larger crane. It is MCA compliant, offers 40 tonnes bollard pull and boasts excellent crew facilities.

Damen sales manager, Frederik van der Linde, added: “I’m very happy with this order. It’s a testimony to the quality of the Ports of Jersey’s first Damen Shoalbuster, the Duke of Normandy, that we delivered 15 years ago and to the excellent relationship our two organizations enjoy. I am looking forward to continuing to develop this relationship into the future.”

The Shoalbuster will be outfitted in the Netherlands by Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld and will be delivered to Ports of Jersey in Q4 this year.