The Damen-built diving bell vessel features high-performance diesel-electric propulsion. Photo: Damen

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Damen

Damen Shipyards Group has completed construction and outfitting of a diving bell ship that has subsequently undertaken successful river trials.

The new diving bell ship for Germany’s FMSW Koblenz (Department Machinery Southwest) will be operated by WSA Rhine (Waterways and Shipping Office) on the Rhine and its tributaries. She will provide dry conditions, in a pressurised atmosphere, in which personnel can work below the water. Her main scope of work will be the search and recovery of lost cargo and wreckage as well as inspection for construction projects. The vessel will also be capable of providing barrel anchors in gravelly and rocky areas in order to perform sampling activities.

Damen sales manager, Remko Bouma, said: “We are very pleased to have completed construction of this iconic vessel on schedule and to the satisfaction of the customer. This is the result of a very constructive collaboration between all parties, including FMSW Koblenz and Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld. This close cooperation and hard work has led to an efficient project execution and a beautiful vessel.”

The vessel features high-performance diesel-electric propulsion compliant with EU Stage V standards, guaranteeing a constant cruising speed of 13 km/h. She will succeed the existing Carl Straat, which has been performing her duties since 1963.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of the diving equipment to Damen has been delayed.  As a result, the diving bell ship will now commence operations next summer

By Rebecca Jeffrey