Damen Secures Hamburg Ship Model Basin for Innovative Frigate Testing

Damen Shipyards Group and the Hamburg Ship Model Basin have finalized an agreement for a comprehensive series of model evaluations focused on the hydrodynamic advancement of the F126 frigates for the German Navy.

Damen Naval and the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) have officially signed an agreement for extensive collaboration relating to hydrodynamic enhancement and conducting a thorough series of model evaluations for the new 126-class (F126) frigates. This enhancement work and the evaluations form part of the preliminary development phase during the vessel design period. During this procedure, the characteristics of the intended vessel will be assessed under actual conditions. Consequently, a life-sized model of the F126, which is several meters in length, will be introduced for the first time. At the request of the German Navy, in partnership with Blohm+Voss and Thales, Damen will construct four frigate class 126 vessels after being hailed as the successful bidder in 2020 during a protracted European tender process. The first vessel is anticipated to be delivered to the German Navy in Hamburg by 2028. The ships will be manufactured in Germany, with construction occurring in Hamburg, Kiel, and Wolgast.

By enlisting HSVA, which possesses a rich history and remarkable innovative capabilities, Damen will be able to solely rely on German expertise for the evaluation and testing of the vessel’s design. In the upcoming months, the model ship will undergo a diverse range of assessments in various HSVA testing facilities located in Hamburg. Beyond evaluations related to ship resistance, propulsion, and maneuverability in calm waters, the vessel’s sea-keeping will also be scrutinized, with specific emphasis on achieving a superior propeller design. This extensive testing regimen is crucial to ensure that the stringent requirements placed on the frigates in real-world situations are satisfactorily met.

The forthcoming tests will represent the most crucial milestone thus far, serving as a key indicator of the vessel’s developmental success to date. Over 100 Damen personnel have been diligently working in recent months on the design and functionality of the ship.

Upon signing the contract, Hein van Ameijden, Managing Director of Damen Naval, expressed his excitement: “I’m incredibly pleased that the tank evaluations will furnish us with initial practical insights regarding the vessel’s progression. We have achieved monumental advancements despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. Our team members are deeply motivated to contribute to this project. I want to take this moment to express my gratitude to our team and to the engineers at HSVA, who will now collaborate with us in conducting extensive tests on the first model.”

Further advancement efforts will be undertaken, incorporating hundreds of subsystems following the evaluation and simulation phase.

HSVA and Damen have a history of collaboration. HSVA previously contributed its expertise to Damen’s significant project concerning the new Antarctic Research and Supply Vessel RSV Nuyina for the Australian environmental authorities, particularly regarding some of the vessel’s premium design attributes. In addition to collaborating on various other projects (including new Damen ferries), both organizations are part of the European joint maritime research initiative named HOLISHIP (HOLIstic optimization of SHIP design and operation for lifecycle). http://www.holiship.eu/