Most of the deliveries were stock built vessels, a number of which were being built on speculation when an order was placed for them prior to completion. A feature of standardised Damen vessels is that, though built in series, they can be customised with standard options to meet individual client requirements. This practice of stock building, a key feature of Damen’s philosophy, ensures that clients receive the swiftest possible turnaround of their order.
The CSDs have a broad range of application, including dredging approach and navigation channels, sand mining for construction projects and irrigation channels, work on hydropower dams and irrigating reservoirs to prevent silting. As such, they are operated by a wide variety of clients, including port authorities, coast guards and a wide range of dredging contractors.
Product Director Olivier Marcus of the product group Dredging says: “The 2015 results show the success of Damen Dredging Equipment since it became part of the Damen Shipyards Group. We have many years of experience in building dredgers before that, though each one was a custom special. After 2005 our range became standardised and available on stock, with all the benefits that go with this. Since then we have delivered almost 100 standard CSDs.”
Mr Marcus lists the advantages of this as fast delivery and proven technology, resulting in guaranteed performance, the best possible price-quality ratio – largely due to development costs being spread over many dredgers – and readily available spare parts. Though the designs are standard, the CSDs are available with a range of options to ensure the versatility required to meet bespoke client needs. Besides the CSDs, Damen can also deliver all the auxiliary equipment, such as Booster Stations, Multicats, Shoalbusters and survey vessels, required to guarantee a successful dredging project.