The Dutch maritime sector once again showcased its commitment to innovation and progress at the Maritime Awards Gala held in Rotterdam on Monday night. The event celebrated outstanding achievements in the industry, with criteria focusing on feasibility, innovation, sustainability, maritime safety, and societal contribution.
Martime ship of the Year Award:“Canopée” Takes the Crown
The coveted Maritime Ship of the Year Award was claimed by the ‘Canopée’, an Open Top RoRo vessel with wind-assisted propulsion, crafted by Neptune Shipyards. This accolade evaluates how design, technology, safety, construction, and economic significance converge in one groundbreaking vessel. Neptune Shipyards, based in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, was commended by the jury for harmonizing numerous, often conflicting, requirements seamlessly.
Designed specifically for transporting Ariane rockets, the Canopée will load sixth-generation Ariane 6 rockets in components from Bremen, Rotterdam, Le Havre, and Bordeaux, and ferry them to the launch site in Kourou, French Guiana. What sets this RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) vessel apart is its four 30-meter-high sail panels, known as ‘Oceanwings’, each covering an impressive 375 square meters. This innovative system results in a remarkable 35% reduction in fuel consumption, marking a significant leap towards sustainable maritime transport. Neptune Shipyards undertook the design and construction for the Ariane Group, with operational duties entrusted to the French entity Alizés, a joint venture between Jifmar Offshore Services and Zéphyr & Borée. The construction contract was awarded to Neptune in October 2020, and the vessel has been in operation since August.
Maritime Talent Award: Kalea Holkema’s Research
Kalea Holkema emerged victorious in the Maritime Talent Award category for her groundbreaking research on wave damping possibilities applicable to a notch in a floating structure, akin to the Pioneering Spirit, the world’s largest offshore construction vessel. This accolade is bestowed upon recent graduates, PhD candidates, and professionals from higher education institutions, universities, research institutes, and the corporate sector. Holkema’s high-tech research, distinguished by originality, innovation, and practical and commercial viability, received well-deserved recognition from the jury.
Maritime Achievement Award: Databank Koopvaardij Honored
The Maritime Achievement Award was conferred upon Databank Koopvaardij, a database aimed at raising societal awareness about Dutch wartime history, particularly the role of seafarers in merchant shipping during times of conflict. This accolade seeks to spotlight socially-relevant maritime achievements, recognizing individuals or initiatives that significantly contribute to the position of the Dutch maritime sector or hold added value in the societal discourse about the Netherlands as a maritime-relevant nation.
Maritime Innovation Award: GustoMSC Makes Waves
GustoMSC clinched the Maritime Innovation Award with the world’s largest telescopic offshore heavy lift crane. This award celebrates the most compelling maritime product, service, or business process innovation of the past year. According to the jury, GustoMSC is set to play “a very important role with this modular, telescopic offshore crane”. This crane is a pivotal component of the ‘GustoMSC™ SC-14000XL’ jack-up design, part of the large wind turbine installation vessel ‘Blue Wind’ for Japan’s Shimizu Corp.
Maritime Security Award: Pim van de Koppel Enhances Naval Defense
Pim van de Koppel secured the Maritime Security Award for his research on the deployment of the PHAROS-DART weapon system, designed to defend naval vessels against threats like anti-ship missiles at very short range. The jury commended Pim for the immediate applicability and operational relevance of his research, emphasizing that his knowledge and results assist manufacturers in creating systems to safeguard Dutch naval vessels.
These exceptional achievements at the Maritime Awards Gala serve as a testament to the Dutch maritime industry’s dedication to progress, innovation, and sustainable practices.
