Damen Shipyards Group has recently carried out the installation of a series of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to Van Oord’s Nexus.
Nexus is a Damen Offshore Carrier (DOC) 8500 delivered in 2014. The 122.68m vessel undertakes cable laying operations, principally in the offshore wind sector.
With the SCRs installed, Van Oord has reduced the NOX emissions of its vessel by up to 80 per cent.
The project required the installation of five SCR units, one for each of the Nexus’ engines. Damen developed its Marine NOX Reduction system in 2015 in preparation for IMO Tier III regulations.
The system has proven itself on multiple applications on tugs, workboats, yachts and inland shipping vessels.
The system uses a catalyst to react with injected urea to chemically reduce NOX from the vessel’s exhaust gases. Damen adapted its proven, standard system to meet the specific requirements of the Nexus.
A further factor in Van Oord’s decision to contract Damen is that the Marine NOX Reduction system is a relatively compact system, with all component parts combined.
Reduced NOX emissions is increasingly becoming a license to operate, particularly in the offshore wind sector in which Nexus is active. Next to this, Van Oord, like Damen is committed to increased maritime sustainability.
The company operates its own Sustainability Programme, within which it focuses on the four pillars of enhancing the energy transition, accelerating the energy transition, accelerating climate action, empowering nature and communities, and achieving net zero emissions.
