Damen’s Chinese Shipment En Route to Netherlands

To maintain the continuous availability of its wide range of built-for-stock vessels, Damen Shipyards Group is currently shipping a diverse cargo of 16 new pontoons and tugs, as well as numerous modular barges, from China to the Netherlands.

The latest shipment represents cooperation between Damen’s various product divisions and numerous local partners in China, the shipbuilder said.

To perform the shipment, Damen mobilized ZPMC’s Zhen Hua 28. The 232-meter semisubmersible vessel left Nantong, China at the beginning of January and is due to arrive in Rotterdam at the beginning of March. The whole process exhibits the significant cooperation with Damen’s local Chinese partners such as Yahua Shipyards, Damen Yichang Shipyard, Damen Changde Shipyard, SHBM and local Nantong and Taicing Authorities.

The cargo includes eleven Stan Pontoons of six different models (SPo 9127, SPo 8916ICE, SPo 7120, SPo 6020, SPo 6316 and SPo 2116) and numerous modular barges. The fully ballastable Stan Pontoon9127 is worthy of particular consideration: also known as North Sea Barge, its large deck with high loading capacity and predesigned plug and play options make it perfectly suited for ocean going transport and offshore projects. Two examples of this benchmark pontoon will be available for purchase from March, illustrating Damen’s successful formula of building for stock to ensure minimum delivery times.

As well as standardized built-for-stock models, the Zhen Hua 28 is also carrying a custom-built spill pontoon that will be delivered to its owner just a few months after ordering. Spill pontoons are utilized to prevent spillage of dry bulk products during transhipment by crane barge. Damen’s Pontoons & Barges Division designed this so-called Spill Pontoon to specific customer demands in answer to stricter European port regulations.

Topping off the diverse shipment are several workboats – including Stan Tugs 1205, Stan Launches 1305 and two large Shoalbusters.

Damen said it is experiencing significant growth in sales of its pontoons and barges – the past few months have witnessed deliveries around the world to customers in five different continents. To meet the demand, there are two further shipments of more than 20 pontoons planned for later this year.

Constructed in accordance to Lloyd’s Register regulations, Damen’s pontoons and barges can be designed to client-specific demands such as customized crane barges and various hopper barges. All models are prepared for plug and play installation of options like pumps and generator sets and can be commissioned within a very short time.

With a considerable part of Damen’s broad portfolio directly available from stock, clients can take advantage of the company’s presence in the Middle East, West Africa and China. Final construction and outfitting can be performed in short time scales to guarantee ultra-short delivery times. Local construction is also possible in combination with Damen Technical Cooperation.