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‘Solution’ during a trial run on the IJsselmeer at dusk.
‘Solution’ during a trial run on the IJsselmeer at dusk.

Designed for versatile offshore operations — from diving to survey and accommodation

With the commissioning of the Solution, DUC Marine Group of Urk has made a powerful addition to its fleet. This 53.88-metre-long and 11.50-metre-wide multipurpose vessel was designed by Naval Consultant Herman Jansen in Monnickendam and built under the direction of DUC itself. The hull was constructed at Shipcon in Dodewaard and transported to Urk in late December for final outfitting — involving a wide range of Urk-based subcontractors.

Design and technical execution
The Solution is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system consisting of six Volvo Penta D13 generator sets, each producing 475 kVA. These feed two powerful 650 kW Verhaar V-Pods, delivering a cruising speed of 12 knots. Hoekman Shipbuilding handled the full engine room layout and designed it entirely in 3D due to the compact space. For optimal positioning during offshore operations, the vessel features a DP2 dynamic positioning system, two bow thrusters — including a swing-up unit developed specifically for this ship by Verhaar — and four anchors. On deck are two cranes with capacities of 90 and 200 tons, the latter equipped with load compensation and a 180 kW hydraulic drive.

Local outfitting in Urk
The outfitting phase in Urk involved an extensive local supply chain. De Flux handled the interior, Electroservice Urk installed the electrical systems, and De Boer Marine provided and installed all navigation and communication equipment. The ship features two moon pools and accommodation for up to thirty guests, in addition to its operational crew. Construction took around six months, after which the Solution was officially christened on 9 May in Urk. A sea trial followed under the supervision of classification society RINA. After its first assignment in Rostock, the vessel will return to Urk for the installation of a custom A-frame for deck handling operations.

Deployment and vision
The Solution was built to serve as a true all-rounder for offshore missions — from underwater inspections and diving operations to survey work, light construction, and crew accommodation. Led by managing director Henk Kapitein, DUC Marine Group positions itself as a globally active service provider with a strong Urk foundation. With its own fleet, team of divers, and technical workshop, DUC offers custom solutions for clients in offshore wind, oil and gas, and marine construction. “We’re construction workers underwater,” Kapitein proudly states. And with the Solution, those underwater workers now have a vessel as versatile as their work.