New platform paves way for business expansion

Damen Shipyards Group has recently signed a contract with HST Marine for the delivery of a Multi Cat 2309. The company, which was the launching customer for Damen’s Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 2710, is the first to order the brand-new, mid-range Multi Cat design bringing new capabilities to the market. HST will use the vessel to extend their business operations beyond crew transfer and into workboat activities.

The Multi Cat 2309 will perform a wide range of tasks for HST, globally. These will include coastal towing, buoy maintenance, the support of floating wind projects, surveying operations and marine equipment tests.

Director Tom Nevin explains, “(HST directors) Chris, Ian and myself have experience with older models of this type of vessel from before we founded HST. We know their versatility – they can cover so much. We want to offer clients the same HST quality within the marine logistics and general marine contracting fields as we do in the crew transfer segment with High Speed Transfers Ltd. We see the Multi Cat 2309 as a real multi-role vessel, offering our customers unique capabilities and versatility.”

HST has tailored the standard Multi Cat 2309 design to its own requirements. This has included the use of Volvo Penta engines for added efficiency and emissions reduction, as well as easy future conversion for IMO Tier III compliance. Additionally, the company has upgraded the vessel’s bow thruster capabilities to optimise manoeuvrability.

Other adjustments include enhanced crew comforts such as en-suite cabins with satellite television and high-speed internet connectivity with fleet system and VSAT.

The company has also requested a 5 tonne pull winch with 40 metre line and a heavy-duty crane with a lifting capacity of 25.1 tonne at 5.79 metres outreach and 8.1 tonne at 14.09 metres outreach. On the aft deck, HST incorporated a tugger winch with 12 tonne pull, capable of fitting 100 metres of steel wire.

Incorporating the company’s hallmark of quality as seen on its FCS 2710 vessels, the new Multi Cat will feature additional redundancy that will offer clients quality and versatility. Explaining HST’s decision to place the order with Damen, Tom said, “We have developed an excellent relationship with Damen during the construction of the four FCS 2710 vessels in our fleet. In addition to that, we find the Customer Finance options from Damen to be very helpful. And, of course, there is a great team at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, with everyone working very hard to make a fantastic vessel. We are very excited to be building another vessel there.”

Damen sales manager Frederik van der Linde said, “We are very grateful to be given this opportunity to support HST as it expands its business activities. This demonstrates Damen’s ability to aid its clients across multiple sectors, providing one point of contact for diverse vessels types, for support throughout the entire lifecycle.

HST expects to increase its workboat fleet in the future. The Multi Cat 2309, following a now-established HST tradition, will be named HST Hazel, for the daughter of operations director Chris Monan. The vessel is currently under construction and is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2021.