Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam (Maaskant) has delivered a new 41m beam trawler with twin Optima nozzles for Hakvoort Brothers in the Netherlands.
Manufactured by Damen Marine Components (DMC), the Damen Optima L/D 0.4 nozzles have a diameter of 3.63m. The stainless-steel collars surrounding the propellers are designed to provide improved thrust both ahead and astern and so require less engine output for a given speed. They are also designed to enhance performance at low speeds and give less resistance at higher speeds.
Eric Moerkerk, deputy director at Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam, said: “This is the first time that we have fitted a trawler with nozzles and while it is early days for the vessel, the indications are that she is working well and the nozzles are delivering the expected efficiencies. The next three fishing boats that we will be building will also be fitted with nozzles from DMC.”
10-month project
Maaskant spent 10 months outfitting UK 46 from stock. The vessel is the first new beam trawler Damen has delivered for the North Sea in twelve years and this is also the first time Maaskant has installed twin Optima nozzles in a fishing boat.
The fishing winch on the vessel is the first of its kind to be manufactured by DMC and was built to a design by Maaskant.
Damen Anchor & Chains additionally supplied products to the vessel.
