‘Topaze Express’ refit and maintenance

Damen Shiprepair played a key role in preparing the high‑speed ferry Topaze Express for her new operational deployment in the Caribbean. The Damen Fast Ferry 4212, originally built by Damen in 2018, returned to the Damen Group to undergo an extensive shiprepair and modification programme ahead of entering service with FRS Express des Iles under French flag.

 Returning to the Damen network

After operating with several ferry operators in Asia and Europe, the vessel was brought back into the Damen network, where Damen Trading facilitated the transfer to FRS. As part of the sales process, the ferry underwent inspection, river trials, drydocking and survey, providing a solid technical baseline for the shiprepair works that would follow. With the vessel destined for island services in Guadeloupe, compliance with French flag regulations and a fixed mobilisation schedule were critical considerations.

Damen Shiprepair takes the lead

To prepare Topaze Express for her new role, Damen Trading introduced FRS to Damen Shiprepair, where the project was coordinated by Sales Manager Oscar van Wees. Based on the aluminium structure of the catamaran and the scope of modifications required, Damen Shipyards Den Helder was selected, with its floating dock on Texel offering the right combination of capacity, specialist skills and availability.

A decisive factor in the yard selection was the availability of in‑house aluminium welders, ensuring that all structural and engineering works could be executed efficiently and to Damen standards.

Delivering against the clock

Time pressure was a defining element of the project. The ferry had to be completed within a narrow window to meet a pre‑arranged heavy‑lift transport schedule to the Caribbean. Close coordination between Damen Shiprepair Den Helder and FRS allowed the scope and quotation to be finalised rapidly, enabling work to commence without delay.

Scope of shiprepair and modification works

Once in dock, Damen Shiprepair Den Helder carried out a wide‑ranging modification and refit programme to prepare Topaze Express for her new operational profile. A major visual transformation formed part of the works, with the vessel fully repainted from her previous yellow and black appearance into FRS’s red and white livery. At the same time, interior and deck‑level modifications were executed, including the creation of a new recreation area for the crew on the top deck and the installation of additional electrical cabling to support onboard safety and passenger information systems.

A significant part of the project focused on adapting the vessel to meet French flag requirements. Damen Shiprepair installed new electric passenger and cargo ramps, together with a cargo hoisting boom, and reconfigured internal spaces to comply with regulatory standards. This included the replacement of eleven toilets, the construction of a wheelchair‑accessible disabled toilet and adjustments to seating layouts throughout the vessel. One of the more complex engineering challenges was the design and installation of a magnetic sliding fire door, which was engineered and fitted on site by the Damen Shiprepair team. In parallel, all required onboard documentation and signage were updated and translated into French, ensuring the vessel was fully compliant and ready for service upon delivery.

Ready for service

Despite the complexity of the works and the tight delivery schedule, the project was completed on time and to specification. Speaking following completion, Moritz Bruns, Managing Director of FRS International Division GmbH, commented:

“The project was carried out efficiently, and the outcome meets our expectations. Damen supported us throughout the process, from coordinating the vessel’s purchase to identifying a suitable shiprepair yard within their network and preparing Topaze Express for her new role in the Caribbean. We are very satisfied with the vessel’s updated appearance and confident that she will operate safely and reliably in line with French flag requirements.”

Continued Damen support

Following delivery, ongoing technical support for Topaze Express will be provided by Damen Services, ensuring continuity through spare parts supply, maintenance support, crew training and technical assistance to support reliable operations in Guadeloupe.