Damen Shipyards Sharjah (DSS) has won a contract to build a shallow draught, self-propelled jack-up pontoon for the UAE-based diving and marine support service company, Aqua Diving Services (ADS).
Damen said on Thursday that, upon delivery, the jack-up will primarily be used to deliver offshore support services, including the provision of accommodation facilities for personnel as well as operating as a work platform with crane facilities.
The company added that ADS has specifically designed the jack-up for Middle East operations and is closely cooperating with Damen Shipyards Sharjah for the construction of the unit.
The jack-up, which will be named the Aqua Rise III, will have accommodation for up to 128 personnel with a 350 sqm of deck space and two cranes, rated at 75 and 15 tons respectively. The vessel will also be fitted with a helideck and life boats.
ADS already owns and operates a fleet of two jack-up pontoons. Aqua Rise III is due for delivery in early 2018.
Clive Frost , the Managing Director of Aqua Diving Services, said that the building of the Aqua-designed vessel at a shipyard like Damen Shipyards Sharjah was a win-win for both parties.
Pascal Slingerland , the Sales Manager for Damen Shipyards Group Middle East, added that this order is fitting in with Damen’s strategy to become more active in the lift-boat market and to build vessels outside of the standard Damen portfolio.