UK-based construction services provider S. Walsh & Sons has ordered a Multi Cat 1908 from Damen Shipyards Group. After finalising a number of modifications, Damen will deliver the 19-metre long vessel ten weeks after receiving the order. 

Part of the GRS Group, S. Walsh & Sons is London’s premier construction partners, delivering end-to-end materials handling services to the UK civil engineering and construction industries. This comprises excavation, freight (marine, rail and road), materials processing, environmental management, and land remediation. The company has been active for more than 50 years in civil engineering related activities in and around London, working on high-profile projects such as Tilbury Docks, Crossrail, National Grid Power Tunnels, and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

Diverse duties

Equipped with a crane and a large deck space for her size, the new Multi Cat 1908 will serve as a true all-rounder in the S. Walsh & Sons fleet. “The new Damen Multi Cat will be a formidable addition to our expanding fleet on the river Thames,” commented GRS Group Chief Executive Jon Fisher. “We chose this vessel for its versatility – we can use it as a tug to push or pull barges loaded with construction materials. Or as a crane vessel working off the side – loading steel or placing cable, for example.”

Safety played a critical part in Walsh’s decision to order the Multi Cat 1908. The high wheelhouse with 360 degree visibility allows diverse vessels to be towed or manoeuvred safely and efficiently.

Damen experience

Referring to the company’s long-term goals for its operations on the River Thames, Mr Fisher mentioned the anticipated increase in cargo movements in the coming decades. “We expect the Thames to become a superhighway with anything from 60 to 80 million tonnes of cargo moving in and out of London each year. The acquisition of this multi-purpose vessel is part of our long-term vision.”

The SWS Endurance is an excellent example of Damen’s ‘building for stock’ strategy. “First of all, we were able to go out on sea trials before we placed the order. And then we can take delivery within ten weeks of ordering,” stated S. Walsh & Sons Marine Director Mark Robinson. “We are happy to be working with Damen again to deliver a diverse and safe working marine fleet for the future projects we will be involved in. Our ‘Damen experience’ has been absolutely fantastic throughout this whole process.”

UK commitment

“Damen is committed to the UK workboat sector,” added Frederik van der Linde, Damen’s UK Sales Manager. “We are looking forward to adapting the Multi Cat to meet S Walsh & Sons’ requirements and seeing this vessel in operation on the River Thames.”