Pro Liquid Orders Damen Multi-Cat Workboat for Global Offshore, Salvage and Terminal Support Operations
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Pro Liquid has ordered a Damen Multi Cat 2712 workboat, named Protunus, for delivery in Q4 2026, expanding its operational fleet with a versatile shallow-draught catamaran designed for towing, anchor handling, barge pushing, hose handling, ship-to-ship transfers, and support across offshore, salvage, terminal, and liquid cargo-related operations. Damen has already commenced construction at its Gorinchem shipyard in the Netherlands under its stock building programme, with the vessel being tailored with additional equipment to meet Pro Liquid's specific requirements.
Operational Scope and Versatility
Protunus will be configured to support a broad range of maritime and offshore support missions, including towing and pushing of barges and vessels, anchor handling, transport and handling of hoses in terminals, ship-to-ship transfers, salvage, dredging, and offshore operations. The breadth of the intended workscope reflects the operational philosophy of Pro Liquid and its affiliate, which requires a vessel capable of switching between different support roles globally rather than specialising in a single market segment. Master and co-owner Ryan van de Pol has described Protunus as an important step in strengthening operational capabilities, designed to support both internal projects and international charter activities while maintaining the flexibility, reliability, and versatility required in the offshore and maritime support sector.
Vessel Specifications and Propulsion
The 27-metre catamaran will deliver 32 tonnes of bollard pull from propulsion systems compliant with IMO Tier III emissions standards, with a bow thruster providing enhanced manoeuvrability for precise positioning during hose handling, ship-to-ship transfers, and terminal operations. The vessel will have a beam of 11.5 metres, a shallow draught of 3 metres, a top speed of 10 knots, accommodation for seven crew members, and a fuel capacity of 110 cubic metres. An enlarged accommodation facility and a 150 square metre clear deck area provide the operational flexibility to accommodate different crew configurations and deck equipment arrangements depending on the specific mission being undertaken.
Emissions Performance and NOx Reduction
Damen will supply its selective catalytic reduction system on the vessel, designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from the main engines by up to 80 percent and to exceed IMO Tier III requirements. The inclusion of SCR technology positions Protunus ahead of the minimum regulatory standard for NOx emissions, reflecting both the growing importance of emissions performance in vessel procurement and the anticipated tightening of environmental requirements in the port and terminal environments where the vessel will operate. The IMO Tier III baseline compliance of the propulsion system combined with the SCR uplift provides a strong emissions profile that supports the vessel's deployment in regions where local air quality regulations are increasingly stringent.
Deck Equipment and Operational Configuration
The MuC 2712 will be fitted with towing pins, an anchor handling winch, a towing winch, and two heavy-duty deck cranes, providing the mechanical infrastructure needed for the full range of towing, anchor handling, and cargo transfer operations in the vessel's intended workscope. The combination of multiple winch systems and dual cranes on a 150 square metre deck area gives the vessel significant operational flexibility, allowing simultaneous management of multiple lines or lifting operations that would be sequentially limited on a vessel with less deck capacity or fewer winch positions.
Damen's Modular Building Philosophy
Damen sales manager for the Benelux region Marc Tijssen has highlighted that construction began under the shipbuilder's stock building programme, enabling faster delivery to the owner while still incorporating specific requirements provided by Protunus during the design and procurement process. The modular, series-building philosophy that underpins Damen's production model allows customer-specific customisation to be integrated into an already-progressing construction programme without the lead time penalties associated with fully bespoke vessel designs. The MuC 2712 platform has been delivered in similar configurations to multiple operators globally, providing a validated operational baseline on which customer-specific modifications are overlaid.
Implications for the Offshore Support Vessel Market
The Protunus order reflects continued demand for versatile multi-mission workboats in the offshore, terminal, and salvage support market, where operators require vessels capable of generating revenue across multiple activity types rather than being confined to a single specialised role. The combination of a proven shallow-draught catamaran hull, strong emissions performance, and comprehensive deck and winch equipment positions Protunus to compete effectively across the range of maritime support activities that Pro Liquid intends to pursue. As offshore and terminal support operations continue to evolve with the energy transition, vessels that can adapt across conventional oil and gas, offshore wind, and liquid cargo terminal roles without major reconfiguration will be increasingly commercially valuable.
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This article was contributed by an external writer affiliated with our publication.
