Damen to build jack-up pontoon for UAE firm

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.