Between 30 November and 11 December 2015, ‘TX 29 Helena Elizabeth’ was at Damen Shipyards Den Helder for repair work following a collision in the North Sea. The bow and the aft of the beam trawler sustained damages, necessitating renewal work. As the vessel was out of operation for a short time, the client opted to conduct a service simultaneously to avoid additional downtime later on.

Yard Manager of Damen Shipyards Den Helder, Rein Peter Mulder, explains: “After the collision, the vessel was brought into the yard as a matter of urgency. Following our inspection it became clear that the bow, railings on the starboard side and the aft bulwark were all in need of renewal.”

Following the taking of measurements, the yard set about removing the bow by flame cutting. To ensure the swiftest undertaking of the project, at the same time as the vessel was being prepared, the replacement bow parts were being prefabricated and welded together in the yard’s workshop.

Mr Mulder: “By Monday 7th, all the required materials were in the yard and we were ready to install them. Everyone worked really hard to get the vessel back into action for the client as soon as possible. The project went very smoothly as she sailed out of the yard on December 11th.”