Workboats’ modular design enables easy transportation to oil sands project in northern Canada

Recently, at the New Orleans Workboat Festival in the United States, Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with Canada-based Group Ocean for the delivery of two Modular Multi Cats 1205. The vessels, which are made of standard, container sized units for easy transportation anywhere in the world, will serve as dredging support vessels on an oil sands project in the north of Canada. The contract fits with Group Ocean’s vision to become a world class organisation and a trusted partner for its clients. 

Ocean, is a major Quebec society in the maritime industry, operates mainly in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and now in Western Canada. Ocean has nearly 850 employees and is one of the largest providers of marine solutions in Canada whose core business is towing, pilot boat, marine services, equipment rental and dredging. 

The location of the oil sands tailings ponds upon which the Multi Cats will work is inland and not easily accessible by water. The modular nature of the vessels means that they can be easily transported to site by truck and then quickly assembled for operation on location. The modularity of the design also makes any future relocations straightforward.

Damen has a strong relationship with Group Ocean, dating back to 2011. This is the second contract between the two companies, whose shared approach and philosophy ensures a smooth, dynamic and complementary flow of work.. The synergy between both companies has been proven during the first join project for the construction of Ocean’s first TSHD which Damen was providing all technical support and the steel/component package for the construction of this vessel at Ocean’s shipyard. 

Tommy Theriault, Business Development Director for Ocean Marine Works and Dredging, explained: “In addition to the ease with which we can transport these vessels to inaccessible locations quickly and cost-effectively, Damen’s standardized shipbuilding process meant that they already had one of the vessels on stock for extremely fast delivery. It will also allow us more flexibility for future development across Canada.” 

Because one of the Multi Cats was in stock already, the first delivery will take place in February – less than three months following the signing of contract. The second vessel, which is being built at Damen Shipyards Kozle in Poland, will follow in Q2 2018.

Damen Regional Sales Manager North American, Daan Dijxhoorn said, “The speed with which we are able to deliver these vessels, as well as the convenience that results from modular construction, really goes to show the unique advantages of standardised shipbuilding as practiced at Damen.”

The Damen Multi Cat has is a versatile workboat with an extensive track record in many sectors. It is used for towing and anchor-handling, dive support, marine engineering, offshore energy operations and for dredging and dredging support operations.

Mr Dijxhoorn concluded, saying, “We look forward to delivering these Multi Cats to Group Ocean and have every confidence in their ability to perform excellently in the work ahead of them. We wish Group Ocean and their clients the very best with these vessels.”