Timor-Leste Taps Damen for RoPax Delivery

The Republic of Timor-Leste and Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract for a new RoPax Ferry 6716.

The vessel will operate a route between the Timor-Leste capital Dili, the Oecusse enclave and the island of Ataúro, providing regular transportation of passengers, vehicles and goods on the north coast of the island.

In a project co-financed by Timor-Leste and the Government of Germany, the RoPax Ferry 6716 is scheduled to begin operations in 2021. In preparation for the ferry’s arrival, over the next 19 months APORTIL will undertake work to improve and build support infrastructures.

The RoPax Ferry 6716 will have a width of 16 meters, a draft of 3.3 meters and a length of 67.3 meters, and its deck, with a 27-ton axle load, will reach 4.8 meters in height. The vessel is capable of a maximum speed of 10 knots and will have a carrying capacity of 380 pax.

Damen will conduct the design and management of the project at its head office in the Netherlands and construction of the vessel will take place at Damen’s Yichang Shipyard in China. Upon completion of its construction, the vessel will be delivered to Dili.