Two more Damen FCS 3307 Patrol vessels delivered to Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Limited of Nigeria
Damen Shipyards Group has delivered two additional Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 3307 vessels configured as patrol boats to leading West African offshore services supplier Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Limited (HIOSL), just five months after the contracts were signed. The handing over of Guardian 9 and Guardian 10 adds to the existing FCS 3307 Patrol fleet that HIOSL has been operating for the past five years and is a powerful testimonial to the Damen FCS as a versatile concept capable of effectively undertaking a wide variety of roles.
33 metres in length, the FCS 3307 Patrol shares the same attributes as the other variants available. Thanks to its Axe-Bow hull form it has excellent manoeuvrability and first-class seakeeping combined with superb fuel economy and a top speed of 28 knots. Guardians 9 and 10 will be powered by three Caterpillar main engines delivering 3,250 bkW to three fixed pitch propellers via three Reintjes WVS series gearboxes. They will have a range of 1,000nm at full speed and with full complements of six crew and 12 security personnel they will be able to remain at sea for up to four weeks, in and around Nigeria’s coastal and offshore oil fields.
As privately-owned vessels they have no offensive capability apart from the security personnel on board and their equipment, however they are well defended. The bridges are bullet proof and armoured ‘citadels’ within will protect non-combatants in the event of fire being exchanged.
The two new vessels have not entirely left behind their fast crew supplier origins. Like their sisterships, each has a 75m² cargo deck aft rated at 2.5 tonnes / m². This allows them to provide an express service for the delivery of urgently needed equipment and spares. Additional equipment specified by HIOSL includes thermal imaging sets, diesel powered SOLAS fast rescue craft and Fuel Trax fuel monitoring systems as well as redundant fuel oil separators to protect the engines and generators from contaminated fuel.
Dr. Ekere commented: “From the first day I walked into Damen head office in Gorinchem in the Netherlands in 2013, we have continually strengthened the relationship between Homeland IOS Ltd and Damen Shipyards and this has enabled us to increase our number of vessels in geometric progression and also improve our technical and operational capabilities.
“The excellent design of the breakthrough axe bow technology together with the modern equipment as well as the technical support that we receive with Damen’s after sales services ensures that our Damen vessels operate at 100% uptime. This allows us to meet our contractual and financial obligations with our partners and relevant stakeholders. As the CEO of Homeland, I foresee a long-lasting relationship between both organisations in our short, medium and long term organisation plans.”
