SEPTEMBER 25, 2013 — Damen Shiprepair Brest in France has docked the first ship to take advantage of a new "Quick Docking/Fuel Saving" now offered by Damen Shiprepair & Conversion. The package offers owners a fast and low-cost additional drydocking in between five-year statutory surveys with the sole aim of reducing fuel consumption in between surveys.

Castillo De Catoira in dry dock at Brest: super high propeller polish is part of the new fuel saving package

The vessel docked at the Brest shipyard for the new service is the capesize bulker Castillo De Catoira operated by Spain's Empresa Naviera Elcano.

"We know that hull resistance builds up during years of service and this can have a significant impact on performance and consequently, fuel costs," says Jos Goris, Managing Director of Damen Shiprepair Brest and initiator of the concept. "By introducing this product, we are thinking along with our customers and know that fuel costs are a major consideration for shipowners and charterers, especially in this economic climate."

"Charterers are focusing more and more on vessel performance and its impact on fuel consumption," says Kees Jan Groen, the shipyard's Commercial Director. "Owners can add value by ensuring the vessel is performing in accordance with the chartering agreement and Damen can add value and help our clients perform better."

Quick Docking characteristics
Under the package, anti-fouling and fresh coatings are applied to improve hull performance, propellers are given a super high polish and the yard fine-tunes the main engine.

"Inside and out, everything is optimised for efficient fuel consumption. By improving the engine and propulsion line and applying coatings, the vessel's performance is improved considerably," says Mr. Goris."

Damen expects the fuel saving docking – which can take as little as a few days – to pay for itself within six to eight months depending on the type and size of the vessel. The package is provided on a lump sum basis.

The Quick Docking/ Fuel Saving package can be executed at any of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion yards, which have 40 dry docks throughout Northwest Europe.