Two new ships

for

Rederij Doeksen

Rederij Doeksen is a Dutch company operating ferries between Harlingen (mainland), Vlieland and Terschelling (Wadden Sea Islands).

In July, WILLEM BARENTSZ, the first of 2 new ferries entered service.

History behind the order

Already back in 2003 the company looked at possibilities to build a ferry with green credentials, with natural gas as fuel. The lack of availability, infrastructure, legislation and incentives from the authorities were too great an obstacle at that time.

Result: VLIELAND was built in 2005 with traditional fuel.

Timeline

November 2015: invited tenders – 11 shipyards
8 April 2016: contract signed with Strategic Marine
15 July 2016: keel laying of Hull 387 in Vun Tau, Vietnam
9 August 2016: keel laying Hull 388
19 January 2019: ships leave the building hall
27 May 2019: ships arrive in The Netherlands (heavy lift ship)
3 July 2020: maiden trip WILLEM BARENTSZ

Why LNG-catamarans?

Research confirmed that the catamaran hull shape is the most efficient hull shape on the shallow ferry routes, like on the Wadden Sea.

The lower resistance and no ballast provides operational efficiency.

In addition, a catamaran offers a pleasantly wide platform for the car deck and passenger salons.

Why 2 LNG-catamarans instead of 1 conventional ferry?

If necessary, one ship can make 7 sailings instead of 6 due to the higher average sailing speed and the shorter turn-around time in the ports
A shorter sailing time with constant fuel consumption
In the high season, more sailings can be realized with two smaller car ferries in the most desired travel period (9.30m. – 5 p.m.)
Transport capacity can be better attuned to transport demand
LNG as a fuel leads to substantially fewer harmful emissions
A higher redundancy can be offered with two ships.

Who?

Shipyard: Strategic Marine
Naval architects: BMT Nigel Gee, Southampton
Interior and exterior designers: Vripack, The Netherlands
Engines: MTU

Finance

Total investment: EUR 48 million

Subsidies: EUR 1.2 million from Waddenfonds. The ‘Wadden Fund’ invests in initiatives and projects that strengthen the ecology and sustainable economic development of the Wadden region.