JULY 22, 2013 — Mexican offshore operator Naviera Integral has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards for two Damen Fast Crew Suppliers 5009. Both vessels will be operating out of Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico's main offshore hub,delivering personnel and cargo from and to PEMEX platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

Doña Angela Maria T

The 50 m crew boats, designed with the Damen patented Sea Axe bow, are currently under construction at Damen shipyards in Vietnam. The first vessel is expected to be  deliveredby the shipbuilder late November 2013. The second vessel is set to be handed over to Naviera Integral mid-January 2014. The crew suppliers are the ninth and tenth of this type Damen has delivered to Naviera, a long-time client.

A Naviera Integral vessel of this design, Doña Angela Maria T, was awarded 'Ship of the Year' in 2009, at the Dutch Maritime Awards Gala. The main reasons were the proven success of the Sea Axe bow concept, the resulting improved seakeeping in heavy weather (-70% slamming), the Wide Operating Speed Range engines in combination with fixed propellers (allowing for more thrust and higher maximum power at lower cost) and the tested and proven reduction of fuel consumption of 18% (compared to other, conventional crew supply vessels).

The FCS 5009 is outfitted with a smart ventilation system for the engine room, leaving the aft deck free of ventilation ducts, which reduces possible accidents when operating the on-board crane.

The ergonomic lay-out of the bridge and the second helmsman seat at the aft steering position, offering high visibility on the aft deck, are instrumental in improving crew-safety.