Damen Bags Jack-up Pontoon Contract

Damen Shipyards Sharjah (DSS) in the United Arab Emirates has won a contract to build a shallow draught, self-propelled Jack-up Pontoon 3526 for the UAE-based contractor Aqua Diving Services Ltd. Once delivered, it will be used primarily to deliver offshore support services, including the provision of accommodation facilities for personnel as well as operating as a work platform with crane facilities.

Aqua Diving Services (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 and will have accommodation for up to 128 personnel with a 350m² of deck space and two cranes, rated at 75 and 15 tonnes respectively. The vessel will also be fitted with a helideck and life boats.

Aqua Diving Services was established in the United Arab Emirates in 1975 and today delivers a wide range of sub-sea services as well as other support to offshore oil and gas operators in the region. The company already owns and operates a fleet of two Jack up pontoons. Aqua Rise III is due for delivery in early 2018 and promises to be a state of the art vessel offering services to a long list of clients in the Arabian Gulf.

Mr. Clive Frost, Managing Director of Aqua Diving Services, commented that building the vessel of Aqua design at a high quality shipyard like Damen Shipyards Sharjah was a win-win for both parties and that he is very much looking forward to the delivery of Aqua Rise III.

Pascal Slingerland, Sales Manager Middle East for Damen Shipyards Group commented that this order is fitting in with Damen’s strategy to become more active in the lift-boat market and to build vessels outside the standard Damen portfolio. This is a further sign that local clients value Damen’s strong track record and reputation as a shipbuilder delivering superior quality at the right price.