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12 January 2015
Named Nexus, the 126-metre vessel is intended for the installation of electricity cables for offshore wind farms. In preparation for the Gemini Offshore wind farm, Van Oord will be deploying the vessel at the build site, 55 kilometers north of the Schiermonnikoog.
Although the vessel encountered some challenges during its construction, the DOC 8500 was delivered several days ahead of schedule. The vessel’s construction took 15 months to finish.
The Nexus is now at Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen, where Van Oord is building and installing the additional cable laying equipment.
The Damen Offshore Carrier (DOC) concept was first introduced by Damen in 2012 as a cost-effective smaller heavy transport, offshore installation and ro-ro platform suitable for multiple markets. With its spacious and flush open deck, the design is highly adaptable with its modular construction that can switch quickly and economically between roles.
Jaap de Jong, Van Oord’s Staff Director Ship Management Department, commented: “By working closely together, Damen and Van Oord managed to build a fit-for-purpose and economical vessel in a very short period of time. The Nexus is an asset to Van Oord’s fleet and its Offshore Wind Projects business unit.”
Source: Dredging Today
