Damen is set to launch its first composite
Water Bus as the prototype undergoes sea trials over the next few weeks. According to Damen, the vessel offers reduced fuel consumption, less maintenance, and no corrosion or fatigue problems.
Marcel Elenbaas, Damen Design & Proposal Engineer - Fast Ferries, said: "This is a prototype for the first of the new generation Damen Water Bus. We believe in this new composite vessel and the benefits it offers to clients. The Damen Water Bus is the best fit for highly congested urban areas, providing a simple and efficient way of making use of natural waterways, and consequently integrating into the public transport network. Hence the reason we took the decision to invest in developing this new series."
The Damen Water Bus can travel at up to 21 knots, or 40 kilometres per hour, and has the capacity to carry up to 100 passengers. It has a slender hull, less weight than a traditional aluminium vessel, and low resistance - producing only a low wake and ensuring the vessel is fuel efficient, Damen says.
This next-generation Water Bus is described as also being very strong because it is built with high-quality vacuum infusion technology, creating a "difficult to penetrate closed cell, epoxy sandwich structure", according to Elenbaas.
Damen Shipyards Group has a history of producing water taxis, water buses and ferries, mainly built from aluminium and steel, and intended for intensive public transport operations.
This Water Bus is the first vessel for public transportation produced at Damen Shipyards Antalya, which specialises in composite professional workboat series suitable for heavy-duty operations. Typically up to 24 metres, these vessels include interceptors, patrol boats, pilot boats, crew suppliers and now water buses.
Damen Shipyards is also capable of offering the complete infrastructure system for water buses, including jetties and bunkering stations, Damen says.
The first Damen Water Bus is expected to be in the Netherlands before the end of the year; and Damen has another Water Bus hull in stock ready for outfitting.
