Damen Marine Components (DMC) will supply FLEX tunnels, propeller nozzles, manoeuvring systems and rudders for two innovative inland tanker vessels to Rensen-Driessen Shipbuilding (RDS) from Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands. On Tuesday May 17, Wim Driessen from RDS and Leo van Zon of DMC, signed a contract at the Maritime Industry trade show in Gorinchem, the Netherlands.
The newly developed tankers by RDS are based on the series of four large ‘XXL tankers’ that have been built between 2017 and 2020 at the yard. The new tankers will be equipped with each two FLEX tunnels, two propeller nozzles and two manoeuvring systems with four rudders. Propellers of a large 2 meter diameter have been selected, which provide efficient propulsion under all circumstances. Van der Velden FLEX tunnels under the hull ensure optimal water flow to the propellers. The wings that construct the duct under the hull in front of the propellers, can be flipped up towards the hull and down to create the tunnel. When the tanker navigates deep water with a full load, the wings can be in the up position, as the propellers will be fully submerged to generate thrust. On shallow water and with limited draft, the wings will be flipped down, so the water will flow under the hull towards the propellers, that will still be fully submerged in the flow towards them. This allows to uphold operations at quite low water levels This concept has proven successful: 13 vessels with FLEX tunnels are operational and 7 more are under construction.
Contract signing
Asymmetrical rudders
The new XXL tankers will be equipped with two propellers with each a nozzle. Behind this, two independently operated Van der Velden HD 240 two-rudder systems are installed. Each set of connected rudders has an asymmetrical 60 – 80 degrees rudder angle, that generates optimal thrust in the water. Even at very low speed, excellent manoeuvring capabilities are ensured.
Vinotra XXL FLEX Tunnel in
Maximal deadweight
To be able to take as much liquid as possible in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp sailing area, the vessel measurements are impressive. At 135 meter length and 22 meter beam, the vessels are categorised XXL. Performance of earlier XXL tankers, providing 13000 deadweight, is very promising. New customers at RDS therefor chose for this vessel concept.
Innovative
Vinotra XXL FLEX Tunnel out
Like the earlier XXL tankers, the new vessel design is conceived by RDS together with Rommert Ship Design and completed for improved hydrodynamics by DMC. Knowledge gathered in earlier projects was applied. Cooperation of the yard and DMC is very smooth, resulting in state-of-the art vessels.
“Working with these suppliers has enabled us to optimally develop new ships,” says Wim Driessen. “Thanks to working with DMC we can further improve our industry network and integration of ship systems, to perfectly serve our clients.”
Area sales manager Leo van Zon adds: “We like to thank RDS for the long standing and pleasant cooperation and the openness in this relation. The innovative approach in their shipbuilding projects is a pride to the whole industry!” The casco’s will be built in China to arrive in The Netherlands end of 2023 for completion.
Damen Shipyards Group has been in operation for over ninety years and offers maritime solutions worldwide, through design, construction, conversion and repair of ships and ship components. By integrating systems we create innovative, high quality platforms, which provide our customers with maximum added value.
Our core values are fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and stewardship. Our goal is to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder, via digitalisation, standardisation and serial construction of our vessels.
Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, supported by a worldwide sales and service network. Damen Shipyards Group offers direct employment to more than 12,000 people.
Source: Damen Shipyards Group