Damen delivers FCS 2610

Damen delivers FCS 2610 to Alpha Nautical Services in Ghana

Damen Shipyards Group has recently signed a contract with Alpha Nautical Services for the delivery of a pre-owned Damen Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 2610. The vessel has been named Manye by its new owner.

When unveiled, the FCS 2610 was hailed as a game changer in the crew transportation market. In the almost nine years since, Damen has delivered more than 50 of these vessels.

Damen Trading’s Maarten van Willigen explained, “Thanks to the synergy between all parties involved we were able to offer a total-package deal for the customer. The enquiry was initially received through shipbrokers Clarksons Platou in Cape Town, South Africa. Through the newbuilding sales department Africa within the Damen Group the enquiry landed with us. Damen Shipyards Den Helder took care of the complete refit of the vessel’s systems, as well as an upgrade of the accommodation to enable the transport of 24 passengers, the installation of a MOB boat and crane as well as reflagging of the vessel, and Damen’s transport department arranged heavy-lift transport for delivery.”

The current situation with the Covid-19 pandemic, combined with harsh winter weather conditions in the Netherlands, added challenge to the contract. However, Damen worked closely with the client and facilitated the handover with extensive video and other materials to provide support in the absence of face to face contact.

In the first week of March the vessel sailed from Den Helder in the Netherlands to the Belgian Port of Antwerp to be loaded aboard a heavy-lift vessel. The vessel will be the first Damen Fast Crew Supplier 2610 in operation on the African continent, and will carry out crew transfers from Tema Port.