The vessel was already in stock at the yard and was handed over to the client within four weeks of the order being agreed. Damen’s extensive range of Shoalbuster vessels offers some of the most versatile workboats available in the marketplace today, capable of taking on a wide variety of roles.

The purchase of the 3209 by ISA Towage B.V. marks the return of the Dutch towage and marine assistance company to DSHa following it taking delivery of a smaller version in December 2016, its first purchase from the Damen Group. The Shoalbuster, named ISA, is now working on a contract in Germany.

32 metres long and with a beam of over 9 metres, ISA is ready to operations such as towing, mooring, pushing, anchor handling and dredging support. These are supported by an equipment package specified by the client that includes twin Caterpillar engines delivering 3500 bhp for 52 tonnes of bollard pull and a top speed of 11 knots, an HS Marine deck crane giving 8 tonnes of lift at 16-metres, and a 50-tonne towing and a 12-tonne tugger winch. The fully air-conditioned interior has comfortable accommodation for up to seven crew.

“We’re delighted that ISA Towage B.V. has returned to us so soon,” says Jos van Woerkum, Managing Director of Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld. “Willem-Harm Mastenbroek, owner and managing director of ISA Towage B.V., was able to take advantage of a great deal and immediate availability to provide an enhanced capability to his clients, and it is very gratifying to welcome back him and ISA Towage B.V. back to the Damen family.”

“When in July, Jos van Woerkum at DSHa offered us the opportunity to upgrade to a Shoalbuster 3209 that had just been just completed and completely outfitted at the shipyard, it was just too good to miss,” says Willem-Harm Mastenbroek. “Our current client at the time had recently informed us that our existing vessel did not have sufficient bollard pull for their next contract and that 50 tonnes of bollard pull would be needed. So the decision to make the step up to a bigger vessel with more capabilities was easily made. The new 3209 has now replaced its predecessor in the Baltic Sea, and we look forward to the new and better opportunities and different types of contracts that our new ISA will open up for us.”

Based in Wijk bij Duurstede in the Netherlands, ISA Towage B.V. undertakes projects across Europe and into Asia.