Paraguayan shipowner and operator Girona S.A. – Rio Sur Transporte y Logistica has contracted Dutch inland shipping construction yard Concordia Damen to build a CDS4115 Shallow Draught 5400 HP River Pusher. The pusher has been specifically designed for local conditions.
The family-owned company is one of the most traditional waterway transport companies in Paraguay, serving many customers along the 2695 km Paraguay River.
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5400 HP
Concordia Damen has thoroughly researched the Paraguay River characteristics in relation to the desired operational profile of the vessel. Based on this, its engineers designed the most efficient pusher considering local conditions. This resulted in a proven low draught push boat design, several of which have already been built for and delivered to Paraguayan clients in the past. The 5400 HP river pusher is a further development of these earlier pushers.
The CDS4115 type measures 41 x 15.5 metres. In a push-barge configuration with twelve barges, the combination will measure 281 metres long x 48 metres wide. The three Yanmar 6EY22AW engines generate a power of 1330 kW each.
Also read: Concordia Damen to build dry cargo vessels based on Parsifal design
Low draught for dry season
Rio Sur will use the combinations mostly for transporting dry bulk cargo on the Paraguay – Parana Rivers. The rivers are known for low draught conditions during several months each year during dry season. Thanks to its low draught design, the Pusher will be able to continue operating year round, even with a draught as low as 6.5 feet, which gives a huge advantage compared to many other push boats on the river.
After outfitting the vessel at the yard in Werkendam, Girona’s superintendents will come to the Netherlands for the Sea Acceptance Trials and the hand-over.
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