2004 – AMSTELSTROOM

The name of the AMSTELSTROOM derives from the ‘AMSTEL’, a canalized river on the border of Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland and Utrecht. Amstel is based on the Old Dutch word ‘Aeme-stelle’, which means ‘watery area’. The land along the river is referred to as Amstelland. The city of Amsterdam also owes its name to the Amstel.

History
The christening and transfer of the newly built Amstelstroom vessel occurred on March 26, 2004, in the municipal port of Hardinxveld-Giessendam, near the location of supplier Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld BV / bno. 571557. After granddaughter Laurette Boerman had performed the ‘christening’, the proud owner spoke: ‘The current market demands a vessel with these capabilities.’ This type of vessel, newly introduced on the market by Damen – with modifications for an extra tweendeck in the superstructure –, is more than a regular tugboat. It is a multifunctional shallow water work vessel, equipped with – among other things – a heavy hydraulic deck crane, towing- / anchor handling winch, stern roller and a so-called ‘moon pool’. Shortly after the festivities, the new ship and crew left for Huelva in southern Spain for its first job.

Image: Amstelstroom, a multifunctional shallow water work vessel