Located in New Zealand, Oceania Marine has reported that a second Damen Sea Axe fast support vessel ADVANTAGE, in under twelve months, has been hauled out and getting ready for an extensive refit where she will be transformed into a luxury Superyacht Support Vessel. Measuring 53 metres, ADVANTAGE superyacht support vessel is currently in the Refit/Pain Shed C, ready for the real work to start.
Oceania Marine, North Shipyard – Damen Axe Bow on Haulout Cradle
Oceania Marine Managing Director expressed his opinion about the upcoming ADVANTAGE conversion: “We were very pleased with the outcome on the last Damen project, yacht support vessel UMBRA, and obviously this has been an influential factor in the decision to bring Advantage to our shipyard. We are well set up to cater for the wide variety of requirements that a project of this nature entails and are looking forward to the challenge of the next few months.”
Oceania Marine General Manager, Clinton Hall, who is responsible for the Shipyard Operations in Clinton Hall added: “We hauled Advantage stern first so that the deep forefoot of the Axe Bow was suspended clear of the haulout cradle. This enabled us to support her on the flat sections of the keel and eliminated the need for excessive ballasting. The whole operation went smoothly and we have already completed pressure washing as well as preliminary abrasive blasting of the hull.”
Oceania Marine, North Shipyard – Advantage Entering Refit:Paint Shed C
The entire conversion process is extensive and will include lengthening of the vessel, by fitting a new module to the transom, various hull modifications to receive a new large deck crane, internal structural modifications to tankage and general arrangements, a helicopter pad and a new submarine garage. Advantage superyacht support vessel will also receive a new interior fit out, full exterior re-pain and many other modifications and additions.
The project is managed by Oceania Marine’s project manager Brent Charleworth, together with Diverse Projects acting as the owner’s representative. A large team of people working on the conversion has been assembled, due to the extensiveness of the project. This includes the neighbouring shipyard NZ Ship Repair, supporting steel fabrication aspects, and SMU who will manufacture the new interior. ADVANTAGE yacht support vessel is scheduled to be delivered well before Christmas.
