Laying of the MPV 4916 Smokey

Damen Shipyards Group has conducted a keel laying for the Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) 4916 named *Smokey* for its long-standing client Herman Senior. The ceremony took place at the Albwardy Damen shipyard in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, marking an important milestone in the construction of this first vessel in the series.

Tradition and Innovation Combined

Herman Senior has drawn on a tradition of naming ships after famous bears for the naming of the new vessel. During the keel laying, two coins—a historical Rijksdaalder from the Netherlands and a UAE Dirham—were welded to the keel. These coins symbolize both the Dutch heritage of the vessel and the location of its construction.

The collaboration between Herman Senior and Damen has a long history. The company operates numerous vessels from the shipbuilder’s portfolio and often serves as a launch customer for new models. Leon Fijnekam, Commercial Manager at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, commented on the keel laying: “We are very proud to support Herman Senior with this latest order for an MPV 4916. Our two companies have been working together for nearly 80 years. I believe the key to the long-term success of our relationship lies in our shared values as family businesses.”

Technical Features and Applications

Erwin van Dodewaard, Managing Director of Herman Senior, emphasized the significance of the keel laying for the expansion of the company’s offshore capabilities. “With this vessel, which is once again a first of its kind, we are investing in versatility, reliability, and long-term operational value,” he stated. The MPV 4916 is designed to undertake a variety of tasks in the offshore energy sector. Technical features include DP2 dynamic positioning capabilities, a four-point mooring system, and spud poles that allow the vessel to remain stationary in different environments and water depths. Additionally, the vessel will be equipped with a 45-ton hydraulic A-frame and an actively heave-compensated winch, enabling safe and precise lifting even under challenging conditions.

Sustainability and Safety in Focus

The MPV 4916 is designed for a sustainable future. It features the Damen Marine NOX Reduction System, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that reduces both noise and emissions in a compact unit, allowing compliance with IMO Tier III requirements. Furthermore, the vessel is prepared for future retrofitting to fully electric or hybrid methanol propulsion.

Safety and comfort are also central aspects of the design. *Smokey* will be built in accordance with the SPS Code (Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships), the MLC (Maritime Labour Convention) 2006, and the COMF-3 standard to ensure the well-being of up to 34 persons on board.

Thus, the keel laying of the MPV 4916 *Smokey* represents not only a significant advancement for Herman Senior but also a step towards a sustainable and responsible shipping future.