Alewijnse makes important contribution to follow-up of ultra-light displacement tender for Nederlands Loodswezen

Systems integrator Alewijnse is extending its successful partnership with Next Generation Shipyards. This latest contract is for the electrical installation and automation for four new M-class, waterjet-driven pilot tenders. The vessels are a further development of the 2020 super-light power concept Mira, one of the lightest pilot tenders in the fleet of Nederlands Loodswezen (the Dutch pilots association), for which Alewijnse also provided the electrical installation.

The M-class stands out for its lightweight construction, smart technology, improved hull design and fuel savings of up to 30%. The new tender design also excels in sustainability. The strong, jet-driven aluminium tenders are 15 tons lighter than their predecessors, which is the equivalent of the weight of two adult African elephants. The lower weight means significantly less fuel is required, resulting in the vessels emitting significantly less CO₂ and particulate matter.

Alewijnse is proud to be contributing to these energy efficient vessels. Minne van der Valk, sales manager at Alewijnse, said: “We share the same vision for a sustainable world as Next Generation Shipyards and Nederlands Loodswezen, and as a system integrator we work closely with the best partners in providing sustainable automation systems and electrical installations. These play a vital role in digitalization and will continue to do so in future technical developments.”

Aboard the vessels, which will replace four, 1996 Discovery class, pilot tenders, Alewijnse will be responsible for the complete electrical design, system integration and installation of the propulsion, power generation, automation, alarm, navigation, lighting and heating, ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC) electrical systems. After delivery, Alewijnse will remain closely involved with these vessels, playing a key role in the maintenance program.

Over the years, Alewijnse has distinguished itself as a specialist in the electrical installing advanced systems onboard these small but highly complex seagoing vessels. “The wheelhouse looks like an aircraft cockpit,” continues Minne van der Valk. “and a lot of equipment has to be installed in a very small hold. Quality and reliability play a major role in the design and implementation, and many systems in these ships feature redundancy so that a failure in a system does not interfere with the safe operation of the vessels.”

Quality, safety and reliability play a key role not only in the installation and integration of electrical systems, but also in Alewijnse’s cooperation with customers, associates and partners. Minne van der Valk explains, “The relationship with our customers is based on mutual trust in our knowledge and expertise. This enables us to successfully deliver new projects together every time. Our cooperation with Next Generation Shipyards began in 2019, and our relationship with Nederlands Loodswezen goes back to 2010, starting with the construction of several pilot cutters and pilot tenders.”

Dirk Keizer, director at Next Generation Shipyards, said : “During the previous project, Alewijnse was able to give us good support in optimising the vessel. By setting up a new, one-line diagram and using Mastervolt components, we were able to establish a reliable basis and save weight. For the electrical installation of these new tenders we therefore chose Alewijnse again.”

The build of the new pilot tenders will start this year, with delivery planned in phases between 2023 and 2025. On completion, Nederlands Loodswezen will use the waterjet-driven tenders to embark and disembark pilots to and from ocean-going vessels docking in ports along the Dutch coast and the Flemish ports on the Scheldt.