Damen has successfully passed the full scale roll-over testing of its Search and Rescue Vessel 1906 with running engines.
Unique combination:
The Damen SAR 1906 has been a unique combination of technological and academic cooperation. The tests were successfully conducted in Antalya, Turkey in cooperation with the Turkish Coast Guard and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in addition to engine manufacturer MTU.
The vessel was designed as result of collaboration between Damen and the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM), Delft University of Technology, De Vries Lentsch Naval Architects. The SAR 1906 also has several mechanical design features in place to enable continuous and safe operation of the engine.
Full control during capsize:
Boran Bekbulat, Damen’s Sales Manager said, “This unique test with running engines was at the Turkish Coast Guard’s request. This excellent result has been accomplished with the great cooperation between all parties”.
He further added, “Moreover, we are proud to say that this is the first time that such a roll-over test has been carried out successfully with running engines. We would like to thank the Turkish Coast Guard for challenging us to test our limits. Most importantly, proving the capabilities of the vessel for which she is designed, giving her crew the confidence and the control in all weather conditions”.
Mode of Roll-over:
The events leading to the successful tests are highlighted by Meredith Dijkstra, Damen Product Portfolio Manager High Speed Craft said, “We have been working closely with MTU to develop and improve engine software that is able to handle a capsize situation. This has been backed up by engine roll-over tests at their facilities and our own proven investigations into the roll-over capacity of the SAR 1906”.
In the eventuality of a vessel capsize in extreme weather conditions, the capsize switch detects the roll-over and sends out signals to, for example, the engine software which will go into ‘roll-over mode’. “At this moment, the water jets are automatically clutched out and the engine returns to idle mode to protect the engine. This continues until the software detects the vessel has righted itself and the crew can directly regain control”.
She further iterated, “We purposely used mechanical solutions, instead of electronic solutions, because they are safer and more durable. After all, this is the principle that we have been working towards; when all other vessels have to turn back to port because of bad weather, the SAR 1906 needs to be able to continue her work when no one else can”.
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Source: Damen
