Moroccan frigate returns to Damen for first scheduled docking

Photo credit © Damen

Dutch-built, multi-mission naval vessel at Damen Shiprepair Brest.

The Royal Moroccan Navy’s high-tech frigate Tarik Ben Ziyad has returned to the Damen Shipyards Group for its first routine dry-docking after three years of operation. The SIGMA multi-mission frigate 10513 – built at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) in the Netherlands – arrived at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France on 24 October for a maintenance programme of approximately 30 days.

“As the Original Equipment Manufacturer, we’re very proud to welcome back the Royal Moroccan Navy to Damen for Tarik Ben Ziyad’s first scheduled docking outside the warranty period,” notes André Hollander, General Affairs Officer at Damen Shiprepair Brest.

“The Captain told us that the Royal Moroccan Navy has had more days at sea over the last three years than planned with this multi-mission frigate. The Navy has been absolutely satisfied with the performance of the state-of-the art vessel, doing exactly what it was designed and built for.”

Operational experience leads to innovations

Tarik Ben Ziyad is the first of three SIGMA-class frigates that DSNS has built for the Royal Moroccan Navy. The frigates are equipped to conduct traditional naval tasks and maritime security operations as well as support humanitarian aid operations.

“This scheduled dry-docking is also a valuable opportunity to gain operational feedback on Damen’s high-tech naval products,” says John van Maastricht, Tender Manager Offshore/Naval & Conversion at Damen Shiprepair & Conversion. “We use that experience to develop new innovations for the SIGMA-class series.”

Damen’s SIGMA Naval Combatants concept is entirely flexible and can accommodate specific customer platform and combat system requirements. SIGMA vessels are designed in a modular way, using standardised solutions with commercial off-the-shelf equipment where possible, enhanced by military standards where needed. Modules for a ship can be built in different locations around the world, depending on locally available manpower, skills and facilities.

Transfer of knowledge within Damen group

Damen Shiprepair Brest has a highly skilled workforce and excellent facilities, including one of the biggest dry docks in Europe. Importantly for the docking of Tarik Ben Ziyad, the Damen Shiprepair Brest team also cooperates very closely with their colleagues in the original construction team at DSNS. This transfer of knowledge ensures the team in France executes the programme of work to a very high standard while maintaining a strict deadline.

“Another benefit is Damen Shiprepair Brest’s French-speaking team,” Mr Hollander continues. “The Royal Moroccan Navy’s personnel are very fluent in French, which makes for very effective and comfortable communication during the docking. Throughout their stay, we will do our utmost to ensure our client’s full satisfaction.”

Damen Shipyards Group

Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 ship- and repair yards, employing 8,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 5,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers approximately 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 value 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 super yachts.

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

Damen Shiprepair & Conversion

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