Dutch firm Damen Shipyards Group has concluded a licence agreement with US-based Conrad Industries to construct two Damen Multi Cats 3013 for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, a press release stated.

 

The two vessels covered by this agreement will be the first Damen Multi Cats to be built in the US. Fully compliant with the US Coast Guard and US Army Corps of Engineers stability criteria, the Multi Cat is the ideal platform for dredging support operations. 

 

"This is a milestone moment for the US shipping industry and our company," said Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp CEO Lasse Patterson. "The Multi Cats will give us the ability to dredge with enhanced operating efficiencies needed to maintain our shorelines and waterways."

 

With its large winches and deck cranes, the Multi Cat can perform a wide range of tasks including handling submerged and floating pipelines as well as anchor handling and logistics supply.

 

Damen Sales Manager Daan Dijxhoorn said: "These Damen Technical Cooperation (DTC) licencing agreements are a means by which US-based operators are able to access Damen’s vessel portfolio in a manner fully compliant with the Jones Act. Licence holders construct the vessel themselves in the country, drawing upon Damen’s experience in the engineering and production of the platform and on Damen’s support throughout the building process."

 

Construction of the first Multi Cat will begin on July 13.