Taking stock: Shetland mussel farmer gets quick delivery of pre-built boat
Shetland shellfish farmer Blueshell Mussels has taken delivery of a new landing utility vessel (LUV) from shipbuilding heavyweight Damen.
The Bountiful is an LUV 2208, measuring 21.7 metres in length and 7.5 metres in width, and is designed to perform a range of coastal and harbour operations, including transport of both people and equipment.
Blueshell Mussels, a family-owned business located in Brae, Mainland, approached Damen when it heard that the shipbuilder had a LUV 2208 available as a result of the shipbuilder’s policy of constructing vessels in series and keeping them in stock.
The LUV 2208 was one of two Damen had in stock, enabling Blueshell Mussels to take delivery shortly after signing a contract for the vessel on April 20.
In the aquaculture sector, the LUV 2208 is able to handle large nets and cables and, with its robust bow ramp, load and unload harvests. It has a large, free deck area capable of handling up to 70 tonnes of equipment. The vessel can be outfitted with a crane able to lift 2.5 tonnes at 15.5 metres and 15 tonnes at 3.5 metres.
Blueshell Mussels director and company secretary Michael Laurenson said: “Thanks to Damen’s stock building programme, we were able to take delivery of this vessel in a very short timeframe. The vessel was then moved to (boat builder and designer) Macduff and designs are now being done to modify the vessel for our bespoke mussel farming operations.”
Trust and confidence
Wijtze van der Leij, Damen sales manager UK, said: “It has been a pleasure to cooperate with Blueshell Mussels on the contract for this vessel. Within just a few weeks of our initial contact, the company felt able to place their order. I would like to thank them for the trust and confidence they have shown in Damen and our vessel design.”
Leon Fijnekam, commercial manager of Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, said: “Prior to signing the contract for the LUV 2208, Blueshell Mussels conducted a thorough assessment of the vessel. It was impressive to see the level of their teams technical knowledge and expertise.
“This made it all the more gratifying when they confirmed the LUV 2208 was suitable for their operations. I wish them every success with their new vessel.”
