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In the most basic terms, Damen is known for building ships. Look deeper, though, and you will see that the process of building ships is actually more about the integration of a vast number of interconnected systems. Propulsion, energy generation, navigation, communication, monitoring and so on. And while it is true that Damen calls on specialist subcontractors to supply many of these systems, something that many people may not realize is that Damen designs, tests and manufactures a lot of these ship systems itself. More specifically, their daughter company Damen Marine Components (DMC) does. DMC designs and manufactures essential maritime equipment such as nozzles, rudders, steering gear, and more. To further optimise the characteristics of the final component, DMC often collaborates with research institutes and universities.

One of DMC’s optional features for their range of nozzles is Nozzle Cooling, which is developed to cool the low temperature systems of the main engines. How does that work exactly? Cooling the low temperatures of the main engines is achieved by directing the cooling water from the main engines through the nozzle construction. The application of Nozzle Cooling has the advantage that, due to the rotation of the propeller, the flow speed of the seawater along the nozzle is always high – precisely when the main engines are heavily loaded. This guarantee cooling with high efficiency.

In July 2014, it was agreed that DMC and Damen Research would complete the calculation modelling for nozzle cooling and present the results to the product groups of STu 1205 and 1606 for them to apply to all their vessels. Nozzles including the Nozzle Cooling technology have been frequently delivered over the last years. This feature is specifically suitable for ships with a high bollard pull, such as tugs and workboats.