Workboat shipment

To perform the shipment, Damen mobilised ZPMC’s ‘Zhen Hua 28’. The 232-metre semi-submersible 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 Pontoon 9127 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.

As well as standardised 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 utilised to prevent spillage of dry bulk products during transhipment by crane barge.

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

Damen has reported 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.

By Jake Frith