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Damen Shipyards Group has conducted a keel laying for the Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) 4916 named „Smokey“ for its long-standing customer Herman Senior. The ceremony took place at the Albwardy Damen shipyard in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, marking an important step 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 ship 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 acts 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 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 ship 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.
