Naviera Integral of Mexico is the launching customer of Damen’s new Sea Axe Fast Crew Supply vessel, the FCS 4008. President of Naviera Integral, Juan Pablo Vega is pictured at the official signing ceremony for the two Damen FCS 4008 vessels at the Offshore Energy Exhibition in Amsterdam.
A leading company in offshore transport and supply services with a fleet of 35 vessels, Naviera Integral has already been a customer of Damen since the late nineties, operating more than 20 Damen vessels. The Mexican company was also a pioneer of the Damen flagship Axe Bow vessel, the 5009. Mr Vega explains: “We choose to invest in Damen vessels because of their quality and this is combined with a very good delivery time, plus Damen provides excellent after sales services and offers creative solutions for financing.”
Damen and Naviera Integral have worked very closely on developing the new FCS 4008, which is mainly focused on passenger transport rather than a combination of passengers and cargo. “Naviera Integral is having an increasing focus on passenger transportation and this new 42m vessel has capacity for 100 people.”
Naviera Integral’s vast experience of operating the Sea Axe 5009 in the Gulf of Mexico has been taken on board with the design of the new FCS 4008, with any suggestions for improvements incorporated in the new FCS type. The vessel combines a steel hull with an aluminium superstructure, which allows the vessel to combine strength with speed.
“Damen Sea Axe vessels have excellent seakeeping characteristics and our client PEMEX sees the benefits of this. The vessels are much more comfortable for the crew and they arrive in better shape to carry out their work. The FCS 4008 is also very fuel efficient, consuming at least 10% less than conventional vessels, which is an important consideration,” Mr Vega says.
Naviera Integral’s two new vessels are due for delivery in 2016. Mr Vega adds: “We see many opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico given the energy reform, therefore we see these investments as preparing for the future. And we look forward to working with Damen.”
