Damen Shipyards Group and Belgian ferry operator Aqualiner have signed a contract for the delivery of three additional Damen Waterbus 2407 vessels, for operations on the Scheldt in Antwerp.
Contract signing took place 7 November at the Europort 2017 exhibition in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Composite Design
The Waterbus 2407 is a new composite design from Damen, first unveiled just over a year ago. Lightweight, low maintenance and fuel efficient, it can carry up to 100 passengers at speeds up to 21 knots.
Aqualiner
Aqualiner is contracted by the Port of Antwerp to provide water-based public transport services in the Belgian city of Antwerp.This latest investment is part of a wider transportation programme to improve the city’s infrastructure and reduce pressure on its roads.
Damen and Aqualiner have worked together in the past. Aqualiner was founded in 1999 in Amsterdam and its first vessel was a Damen River Runner 150. Since then its fleet has grown greatly and today includes eight Damen ferries, all operating in the Rotterdam area.
Aqua Diamond
Aqualiner took delivery of its first Waterbus 2407 from Damen at the end of June this year following a tender process that culminated in the two organisations signing an agreement covering a total of four vessels. The initial vessel was delivered almost immediately as Damen had it in stock.
Christened the Aqua Diamond, the ferry is currently operating a service that connects the centre of Antwerp with the southern part of the city. The three additional vessels will enable Aqualiner to expand that service to the north. When all four waterbuses are in operation, both services will be able to offer departures every half hour.
The Aqua Diamond was built at Damen Shipyards Antalya, as will the three new additions. The Antalya yard specialises in composite vessels and builds a wide range of fast boats using the latest vacuum infusion techniques.
All three ferries are scheduled for delivery next year, with the possibility of further orders coming thereafter.
