A remarkable feat
Although the Stan Pontoon will play a pivotal role in the pipeline project, the two new supporting vessels’ contribution is not insignificant. The Stan Tug 1606, which was built at Damen Shipyards Changde, will provide support in the shallowest waters.
Built at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, the Netherlands, the Shoalbuster 2509 – named Murjan 41 – will be called upon for support tasks further from the coast and for its 30-tonne bollard pull during pipe pulling operations. “Most vessels with a 2-metre draught are not going to give you 30 tonnes of bollard pull. But that is the unique thing about the Shoalbuster, it can maintain its bollard pull even in shallow waters – it’s a remarkable feat.”
For MSMC, these latest three deliveries represent a continuance of its productive relationship with Damen, as Mr Natheer concludes: “They give us access to their engineering and technical team – people who really know what they're talking about when it comes to designing vessels for actual projects, this results in smooth execution of the work for our clients. Their whole team has been outstanding.”