The 66m by 15.5m by 3.5m newbuild will be mostly used on European inland waterways and rivers but may also be used in a seagoing capacity. Removable air compartments on deck, air compressors and an internal piping system allow for the pontoon to be submerged to discharge floating cargo such as dredgers or river cargo ships. Two methods are available; horizontal submerging whilst keeping the pontoon afloat or allowing the bows to take the ground by giving the pontoon a forward trim. The choice of method will depend on cargo particulars and location.

The new pontoon is suitable for ro-ro operations such as those carried out along the Rhine.

Ro-ro linkspans may be fitted to the bow, providing connection between pontoon and shore for heavy transports to be driven on board.

The deck strength of 14 tons per m 2can be increased by using load spreading or positioning the cargo at cross beams or longitudinal bulkheads. Loads of up to 820 tons have been transported on similar pontoons.

Lastdrager 27 joins Van der Wees' fleet of six large ro-ro pontoons, eight push tugs and two short sea tugs.

MJ Information No: 21115