The Damen Yichang Shipyard in China, a joint venture between Damen Shipyards Group and Sinotrans CSC, is about to finalize plans for LPG tanker construction, which would be the yard’s first.
The plans have been revealed within shipyard’s strategy switch to a new direction in shipbuilding, targeting more technologically advanced ships.
“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,” Damen said in a release.
Name of the potential client behind the LPG tanker or details of the ship have not been revealed.
The expansion of the yard’s product portfolio is expected to broaden its geographical reach aiming for a global outreach. Damen Yichang Shipyard’s cargo vessels have so far mainly been aimed at the Western European marketplace.
“The Yichang yard has always excelled in the construction of cargo vessels up to 15,000dwt. Whilst it will continue to build such vessels, from now on, there will be an additional focus on other, high-tech vessel types,” Executive Director at Damen Shipyards Group Hans Voorneveld said.
“We’re looking at dredgers, pontoons and barges, LNG/LPG tankers and offshore support vessels, such as platform suppliers,” explains Mr Voorneveld.
“Already we are building pontoons for specialised projects in the Far East and Latin America, as well as for stock. The dredgers also have an international market,” Mr Voorneveld states.
Current capacity at the yard is sufficient for Damen to simultaneously construct ten pontoons along with two dredgers, LNG/LPG tankers or offshore support vessels, according to Damen.
“Damen Yichang Shipyards is offering a new portfolio of sophisticated vessels in one integrated package – from engineering, steel building, outfitting and trials right through to commissioning,” Voorneveld indicates.