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90 VESSEL FOCUS | DAMEN THREESIXTY 91

Entirely different passenger experience
As well as sightseeing, Damen believes the new vessel, which is being patented,
is suitable for business meetings, conferences, seminars, networking events
and parties, or it could be used as a stylish and unique floating restaurant or
nightclub.
The past year the R&D department and Ferries team have been investigating
the concept and the ThreeSixty’s dynamic behaviour. “It is important that the
dimensions fit the wave pattern of the local area,” Henk stresses.
Currently, three sizes are available – 16, 18 and 20 metres, with a passenger
capacity of up to 400 people. The ThreeSixty is a highly manoeuvrable vessel.
“Once on location, it performs a ‘water ballet’.” Comprising a ‘flat-bottomed
disc’ shape, the vessel has a fore and aft.
Fully-electric & intelligent control
Changes in technology have led to this revolutionary new concept being
launched in 2019, explains Henk. The Damen ThreeSixty is a fully-electric vessel,
offering the potential for emission free sailing. Lithium batteries power the Once at its docking station, the vessel will automatically click into place and environmental friendliness, efficiency in operation and economic viability.
four azimuth thrusters via a DC-bus distribution network. The electrically-driven the battery charging will start. For comfortable climate control the vessel is Henk emphasises: “Damen is famous for being a superb builder of our
rudder propulsion can be controlled by an autopilot system. This intelligent equipped with a heat pump and air-conditioning system. The interior design standardised vessels, but we also want to focus on new products in attractive
control system, in combination with the four-thruster setup, enables the vessel can be tailored entirely to the clients’ requirements. growing markets so we can continue to be a fast mover. We want to show
to rotate or sail a straight course by an easy to use, single joystick control in the the world we are able and capable of developing vessels of any type. Vessels
wheelhouse. “Given the rotation capability and distance it will travel, it would The vessel’s silent, vibration-free operation ensures that the ThreeSixty is the that make a difference!”
almost be impossible for a captain to manoeuvre the vessel manually,” adds Henk. perfect, neighbour-friendly vessel, even in built up urban areas. The vessel
has been developed in accordance with Damen’s E3 initiative, ensuring