2020 – KILSTROOM

The name of the new KILSTROOM vessel derives from the 'Dordtsche Kil', a very busy tidal river in Zuid-Holland. This river connects the 'Oude Maas' with the 'Hollandsch Diep' and seperates the Hoeksche Waard from the Island of Dordrecht. The Dordtsche Kil is part of the shipping connection between the 'Rijn' and the 'Schelde'. Sea-going vessels sail there on a regular basis.

History
The planned christening and handover of the Kilstroom on March 26, 2020, was moved to Thursday, April 9 because of the Covid-19 crisis. Many activities were delayed because staff was forced to work in smaller groups. The Covid-19 crisis also impacted 'normal' festivities. This time no 'Zilvermeeuw' with many guests, but a small selective group of Damen and Van Wijngaarden Marine Services. This was also a pity for Hilda van Veen, whose turn it was this time to festively baptize the ship. The vessel’s contract was signed on August 15, 2019, by the CEO and managing director at VWMS Wim van Wijngaarden and Peter van Wijngaarden, together with Jos van Woerkum, managing director at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld BV. ‘We are very much looking forward to the delivery of our first Multicat’, said Peter van Wijngaarden. 'This move is the result of several discussions with our clients in the construction, dredging and wind farm support sectors. They encourage us to broaden the range of services that we offer and prefer to use Multicats for certain projects. Kilstroom / bno. 571684 will also complement and enhance our Shoalbusters since the two types of vessels are able to work together very effectively on a variety of operations. It will also be our first vessel with dynamic positioning, which adds a new dimension. The ability of Damen to deliver the Multicat 3013 in just six months played a significant role in collaborating with them again.'

Image: Kilstroom in action, by Arie Boer