Dutch-Colombian relationship strengthened

A double celebration was held on 22 March 2013, as the Colombian deputy minister of multilateral affairs Patti Londono Jaramillo christened two push boats. The vessels, Impala Barranquilla and Impala Barrancabermeja, were built by shipyard De Kaap, located in the Dutch town Meppel. This yard is specialised in all stages of shipbuilding: from concept to construction and from design to detail.

Both push boats were built for the shipping company Impala Colombia. They have been transported to Colombia on 29 March to carry dry cargo barges. ”Both single vessels are able to push barges arranged in three sets of two by two, which can carry approximately 10,000 tonnes of dry cargo’‘, states project manager of De Kaap, Henri de Vries.

First two

Thecla Bodewes, director of shipyard De Kaap and winner of the ‘Businesswoman of the year’ award in 2011, explains that the vessels’ low weight and shallow draft makes them unique. The push boats can therefore sail on rivers where this was not previously possible, as transport via waterways is growing in Colombia. The inland push boats have been designed especially to be employed in the Magdalena River in Colombia, bearing the shallow water and the high water temperatures in mind. The Impala Barranquilla and Impala Barrancabermeja are the first of an order of nine ships, some prospective ones will be lighter and can be deployed on even shallower waters.

As many other Dutch organisations in the maritime industry, De Kaap does not compete with low prices from Asian shipyards, but has chosen to offer fast delivery and high quality instead. The Dutch industry is developing its ability to provide ships and installations for specialist applications.

Increasing connection

Londoño Jaramillo was in the Netherlands for the international celebration of World Water Day. According to her, the christening underlines the increasing economic connection between Colombia and the Netherlands. Furthermore, this purchase is a sign of the importance of the water transport in Colombia. In recent years Columbia has shown an increasing interest in Dutch organisations, especially in the water industry where there appears to be many opportunities. In addition, both governments are working together for solutions regarding integral water management in Colombia.

Timo Meester