AYOP-member Van Laar Maritime; safeguarding the offshore sector

Van Laar Maritime BV recently became a member of AYOP. As Europe’s largest shipping operator of specialised guard vessels, the Ijmuiden-based company’s growing 34-strong fleet is deployed in a wide range of services for the offshore sector. “We are looking forward to supporting AYOP members with tackling their offshore challenges,” says Lindsay Pein, Business Development at Van Laar. “Our goal is to maintain the highest possible standards of operational security and services, always ready to take things to the next level.”

 Van Laar has over 20 years of experience in the offshore industry, including in guarding offshore wind farms under construction, underwater constructions and survey activities. It also provides auxiliary services such as drone inspections with the option to photograph an entire turbine in less than 30 minutes.

The fleet consists of shallow-draft vessels for areas like the Wadden region and coastlines, as well as all-weather guard vessels. The latter can stay on the water to protect wind farms, cables, pipelines, and underwater constructions in nearly all conditions. They can also watch over vessels that require extra protection for their work, such as seismological vessels and cable/pipe-laying vessels. The company’s four new multi-purpose support vessels can be used for surveying activities, and as seismic support, oil pollution and emergency rescue & response vessels.

The company’s expertise is focused on the renewable sector in which Van Laar has been involved since the very first offshore wind farm was set up on the North Sea. Its guard vessels have been used for most of the offshore wind farms park in Northwest Europe, and – closer to home – the NoordzeeWind, Prinses Amalia, Gemini, Borssele and Hollandse Kust (south and west) wind farms which are currently being constructed.

Hydrogen compliant

Increasing the sustainability in new builds and its existing fleet is how Van Laar Maritime aims to ensure a green future. One year ago, the company built and took into use MV Jacobus. The vessel is a pioneer as it is hydrogen compliant, i.e. ready to sail on hydrogen or batteries. It also has an electric generator which significantly reduces gas oil consumption. In addition to new vessels, Van Laar is also installing hybrid propulsion on a former fishing vessel.

Sylvia Boer, AYOP director: “It is inspiring to see what a family business like Van Laar Maritime can achieve, and how it is focused on a sustainable future. Moreover, the company’s rich expertise will help in the essential task of keeping the offshore wind sector safe and secure.”