VESSEL REVIEW | Jamaica III – Buoy handler starts work for Port Authority of Jamaica

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered a new multi-purpose workboat to the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJAM).

Jamaica III has a length of 39.4 metres, a beam of 10.8 metres, a design draught of three metres, and a gross tonnage of 499. Tank capacities are 119,000 litres for fuel oil and 42,000 litres for fresh water.

The vessel is equipped with a package that optimises it for undertaking maintenance support operations in PAJAM-managed ports, which include four cruise ports and three container/public cargo terminals.

One of the vessel's principal roles will be the laying and maintenance of buoys, hence the development of the hull in such a way that it is suitable for use in both near-shore and offshore waters. Key features include a dynamic positioning system, an HS.Marine deck crane, and a working deck with an area of 200 square metres. Wood sheathing is present on the aft deck, as is the practice on vessels that are designed for buoy handling.

The vessel also has a dedicated locker below deck where the mooring chain can be stored. Damen said the locker is designed for excellent stability to cope with the combined weight of the chain and of the other equipment that the vessel will be carrying on its various assignments.

The other equipment installed on Jamaica III include a five-tonne A-frame, which will also be used to lift the buoys, and a towing winch with a pulling force of 10 tonnes at 10 metres per minute. This, in combination with the 18 tonnes of bollard pull that the vessel can generate with its propulsion system, gives the vessel the ability to tow small objects. Thanks to the vessel's high degree of automation and the 360 degrees of visibility provided by the wheelhouse, the towing winch can be remotely controlled from the relative safety of the bridge, allowing the crew to effectively operate the winch without exposing themselves to the elements.

The main engines are two Caterpillar C18 diesels that each produce 500 kW. The engines drive two nozzle-housed 1,600-millimetre controllable-pitch propellers to deliver a speed of just over 11 knots. Aiding in manoeuvring are a pair of fishtail rudders and transverse thrusters installed at the bow and the stern.

Up to 20 personnel can be accommodated in comfort and safety in nine double cabins and two single cabins across three decks. All crew cabins have en suite toilets. An outboard-powered rescue boat is also available on board for use in emergencies.

Jamaica III's hull was built at Safe Shipyard in Gdansk, Poland, and then towed to Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam in the Netherlands for outfitting. It is the fourth Damen-built vessel to join the PAJAM fleet after two 29-metre tugs and two 16-metre pilot boats.

See all the other news, reviews and features of this month's Marine Engines and Propulsion Systems Week right here.