| A joint venture between Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards Group and Chinese company Sinotrans CSC, Damen Yichang shipyard on the Yangtze River is rolling out a new and larger portfolio of vessels – and taking them to the global market. The yard has a successful history of delivering cargo vessels up to 15,000 dwt since it commenced operations in 1999. While it will continue to build cargo vessels, it’s now to build high-tech ships including dredgers, LNG/LPG tankers, barges, pontoons and offshore support vessels such as platform suppliers. As the portfolio expands, so too will the yard’s geographical reach. The cargo vessels were mainly aimed at the western European market, but the new vessels will sell globally. The yard is already building pontoons for specialised projects in the Far East and Latin America. Speaking to IHS Maritime, a Damen spokesman said, “Rather than the cutter suction dredgers that we are mostly known for building, we plan to build series 2000 trailing suction hopper dredgers at Damen Yichang. “As to the pontoons, we will build all types and all sizes from our current portfolio. “Damen and Sinotrans are investing in developing the building and design process for these complex vessels,” he continued. “Pre-existing infrastructure, however, has benefitted the yard, enabling it to embark smoothly on this new venture. “Current capacity is sufficient to simultaneously construct ten pontoons along with two dredgers, LNG/LPG tankers or offshore support vessels,” he added. Damen Shipyards Group executive director Hans Voorneveld commented, “Since the decision was taken to increase the range, things have moved fast. The yard is already building a number of specialised pontoons, whilst plans for dredgers are now being finalised. Additionally, finalisation of plans for LPG tanker construction is expected imminently. “Everything is in place,” he continued. “The yard is completely up and running and we have an experienced workforce of around 1,000 people”. Highlighting the yard’s steel cutting facilities, six available berths for section building and assembly, plus a sideways launching system, Voorneveld added, “Damen Yichang Shipyards has been building high quality vessels for a long time. Now it is offering a new portfolio of sophisticated vessels in one integrated package – from engineering, steel building, outfitting and trials right through to commissioning.” |