First Damen Multi Cat 2309 delivered

The addition of the Multi Cat to its fleet of crew transfer vessels (CTVs) is the first stage of HST’s strategy to become a total solutions provider to the offshore renewables sector.

The 23.4 metre, 15 tonne bollard pull Multi Cat 2309 represents a new, mid-range model suited to a wide range of tasks, and HST can now offer its clients workboat services such as marine logistics and general contracting alongside its crew transfer business.

HST has added some custom features to their new vessel, including Volvo Penta engines for added efficiency and emissions reductions. These can also be easily converted for IMO Tier III compliance. The bow thruster has also been upgraded for enhanced manoeuvrability, and the crew cabins have been fitted with satellite television and high-speed interconnectivity with fleet system and VSAT.

Additional equipment upgrades include a five-tonne pull winch and a heavy duty crane with a lifting capacity of 25 tonnes at 5.8 metres outreach. On the aft deck a tugger winch with 12 tonnes of pull has been installed along with an A-frame with plough for cable laying. Additional redundancy throughout the vessel is another feature, ensuring both reliability and versatility.

The new vessel, HST Hazel, was built at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld in the Netherlands. It will initially be based out of HST’s home port of Swansea, supporting clients in Wales and south-western England.

Atlantic Towage & Marine places order for a Multi Cat 2309

Damen has also announced that the Ireland-based marine services company Atlantic Towage & Marine has placed an order for a Multi Cat 2309. Scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2023, the new Multi Cat 2309 will spearhead Atlantic’s push into the European market, with a special focus on the fast-growing offshore renewables sector. To optimise the vessel for its role, the company has specified a larger forward deck crane AKC 185 HE4 and an aft deck crane HS AK34 HE4 from HS Marine, plus a DP1 system from Kongsberg. The new vessel will also be the first in her range to operate with a dynamic positioning system.

While the Multi Cat 2309 comes IMO Tier II compliant, Atlantic Towage has selected the option that pre-prepares the engineering space for the retrofit of a Damen Marine NOx Reduction System. Work will begin soon on the hull and superstructure at Damen Shipyards Koźle, after which it will be brought to the Netherlands to be fitted out.