COVID Forced Significant Changes on Delivery Process
A Damen SPa 4207 – the second of four vessels destined for the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard – has been formally handed over in Jamaica, the company announced on 22 November.
COVID restrictions meant the vessel had to be delivered embarked on a heavy transport vessel, rather than on her own keel. She left Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam in June, arriving in Kingston some two months later. “The successful delivery of this vessel really came down to teamwork, collaboration, and everybody’s willingness to be flexible in finding solutions to the challenges of these times,” explained Damen Heavy Lift’s Service Coordinator – Delivery, Rimmert Berlijn.
Damen Services has also been contracted for ILS services for the vessel. The contract saw delivery of an FCS 5009 Patrol last year: a second, and a further SPa 4207, are to follow. “Damen’s relationship with the JDF is one that is built on mutual trust and experience […] It has been quite a year, but clients have been flexible, and our teams have stepped up to the challenge of the moment to create solutions that help us ensure positive customer experiences and make sure our vessels continue to arrive in style,” commented Bram van der Plas, Damen Sales Manager, Caribbean.