Damen is launching 15 Stan Pontoons (SPo) and a newly designed transshipment Crane Barge this week at its Chinese partner yards. Damen will deliver most pontoons to Dutch, UK and Russian clients, withholding a small number for itself in accordance with the company's philosophy of ensuring short delivery times by standardized designs and keeping vessels in stock. ZPMC's semi-submersible vessel Zhen Hua 29 will transport the pontoons to Rotterdam (The Netherlands) where they will arrive in the middle of October.

The shipment consists of various types of pontoons, amongst which a SPo 12032, the first of a newly designed series and the longest pontoon ever built by Damen. The Heavy Lift pontoon measures 120 x 32,2 x 8.1 m, has a deck strength of 20 t/m² and is outfitted with a ballast system, DMT winches and a Caterpillar generator set.

Furhtermore, the shipment consists of: 2 x SPo 4113, 2 x SPo 6316, 2 x SPo 6511, 1 x SPo 7524, 4 x SPo 8916 ICE-class and 3 x SPo 9127. The Damen Crane Barge 6324 will be outfitted and commissioned at one of Damen's Dutch shipyards.

Hulls in stock
Currently more than 25 additional pontoons are under construction at Chinese partner yards under Damen supervision. Mr Frank Koppelaar, Product Director Pontoons & Barges, says: "In the course of ongoing feedback, research and adapting to changing market circumstances, we're starting a new series of Offshore Accommodation Barges as well."