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Damen Shipyards Group says it is highlighting the advantages to be gained from the Damen Optima Nozzle to the North American inland shipping sector. The Optima is a propeller nozzle developed and manufactured by subsidiary Damen Marine Components (DMC) that is said to also decrease fuel costs.

While DMC produces various types of propeller nozzle suited for a wide spectrum of maritime uses, it is the Damen Optima that the company says yields the most benefits for inland shipping operators. "Using the Damen Optima has many advantages," according to DMC Managing Director Steef Staal. "And it's these that we want to pass on to our North American customers.

"Looking at today's inland shipping operators in Europe, you'll see that everyone uses a nozzle," Staal said. According to Damen, one of the main reasons of the dominance of nozzles is the use of skew-type propellers, whose rounded profile is designed to address the historical problem of sediment and debris blockage.

Design brief

DMC designed the Damen Optima - a nozzle with a slightly longer and higher intake and a propeller positioned just aft of the centre line - to increase performance even further.

In real-life results from the first launching, Damen says its customers confirmed what model testing had predicted. "The feedback we heard from operators on the subject of thrust, both forward and reverse, was very positive," remarked Staal, adding: "This is a very important factor for inland vessel and push boat captains: they need to be able to count on optimum stopping distances. In fact, when you consider performance and stopping distance, the Optima is a world leader."

Delivering the performance

Commenting on its fuel cost and environmental benefits, Staal said: "It is better in other aspects too: fuel use and exhaust emissions are decreased; thus reducing fuel costs and improving air quality."

American focus

Damen's increased marketing of the Optima nozzle for the American market follows the recent opening of Damen North America - the company's branch office located in Houston, Texas. As each Damen Optima nozzle is tailored to the specific needs of the client, personnel at the new office will be able to advise ship owners on the selection of correct systems.

"Of course the North American inland shipping sector is a substantial market for Damen. Our new office will allow us to really concentrate on what we do best: listening to, and then acting on, what our customers need," Staal added.