Damen Shipyards showcases futureproof solutions
20th September 2022
Damen Shipyards hosted its annual fishery festival in Stellendam recently, welcoming over 200 skippers and owners from the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK. The day was both a celebration of good seafood and a chance for the industry to learn more about potential changes for the industry relating to the transition towards zero emissions.
Booths from various divisions within the Damen Shipyards Group and suppliers demonstrated the possibilities for electric propulsion, alternative fuels or exhaust treatment, as well as financing possibilities.
“The North Sea fishery is facing difficult times, but Damen Maaskant sees a future,” managing director Eric Moerkerk said at the opening of the festival. “At this festival we offer maritime solutions that can make a fishing vessel futureproof. We provide tailor-made solutions for any vessel. The choice is up to the fishermen.”
The Damen aftertreatment solution that removes NOX emissions was demonstrated to skippers during the day.
Discussions and presentations included detail on hybrid and electric propulsion, alternative fuels such as methanol or hydrogen, exhaust treatment systems, energy- efficient deck equipment and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) installation.
A range of suppliers made presentations, including a new hydrogen fuel system from Nedstack, suitable for fishing vessels. EST Floattech had on display a stack of linkable batteries set up to show how this can be customised to fit into available space on conventionally powered fishing vessels. The system can allow vessels to work on electric power when main propulsion is not needed, generating considerable cost savings.
For Dutch fishermen in attendance, advice was also on hand from RVO, the Dutch government office for supporting businesses, on the application process and financial support available to Dutch fishermen to switch to lower emissions technologies. Damen has successfully converted a range of fishing vessels to reduce emissions and running costs.
Jeroen van den Berg, commercial manager at Damen Maaskant, told Fishing News: “It was very interesting talking with so many skippers and owners about their thoughts on reducing their CO2 emissions and overall running costs.
“We can help ensure that this is cost-effective, and see a win-win with both reduced running costs and reduced emissions.”
This story was taken from the latest issue of Fishing News. For more up-to-date and in-depth reports on the UK and Irish commercial fishing sector, subscribe to Fishing News here or buy the latest single issue for just £3.30 here.
