20 Nov Jamaica Defence Force returns to Damen for fleet renewal

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has awarded Damen Shipyards Group a contract for two new Stan Patrol 4207 vessels. Representing a renewal of their fleet, the new vessels will replace the JDF Coast Guard Unit’s three Damen-built County Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, the HMJS Cornwall, HMJS Middlesex and HMJS Surrey.

Damen is currently completing minor modifications before the outfitting process is concluded. Because both vessels were available on stock, delivery is expected before the end of the year. The new Stan Patrol 4207 vessels will be renamed HMJS Cornwall and HMJS Middlesex.

Winter delivery journey

“We are very proud to announce that the Jamaica Defence Force has once again selected Damen for its fleet requirements,” says Damen Sales Manager Americas Alan Borde. “We are looking forward to seeing these vessels in operation for this much valued client.”

On completion, two teams of JDF representatives will fly to the Netherlands in order to sail both vessels back to Jamaica with Damen’s own expedition team. Depending on weather conditions, the vessels are expected to arrive in Jamaica in January 2017.

Preparations for re-sale

As well as the specifications for the new vessels, the contract also details a trade-in agreement that involves JDF’s existing Patrol Vessels. These three vessels were built by Damen and have been in active service with JDF since 2005 and 2006.

After an official decommissioning ceremony which took place on 8 November in Port Royal, Jamaica, these vessels were handed over to Damen. “A heavy lift ship will collect all three vessels in the coming weeks and transport them to the Netherlands,” continues Mr Borde. “Following some updating and repair works at Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam, we will offer them for sale via Damen Trading.”

Damen Shipyards Group

Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 6,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 180 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.

Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale values and reliable performance. Furthermore, Damen vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.

Damen offers a wide range of products, including tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and superyachts.

For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of services, including maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and the transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. Damen also offers a variety of marine components, such as nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.

In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has a worldwide network of 16 repair and conversion yards with dry docks ranging up to 420 x 80 metres. Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1,500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.