Dili, 31 May 2019 (Lusa) – The Timorese Government signed a contract with Dutch shipyard Damen worth €18.6 million ($20.78 million) for the construction of a new passenger ship to operate on the north coast, supported by German development cooperation.
Financing and Contract Details
The total project cost is shared between two governments:
| Contributor | Amount (EUR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Timor-Leste Government | €12.6 million | ~$14 million |
| German Government | €6 million | ~$6.7 million |
The contract covers the design, construction, supply, and delivery of the vessel to the Timorese Government. It was signed in Dili by:
- Timorese Transport and Communication Minister: José Agustinho da Silva
- Damen Regional Commercial Director: Gysbert Boersma
About the Shipbuilder
Damen Shipyards Gorinchem is a major Dutch maritime group with:
- More than 35 companies worldwide
- 8,000 employees
- Shipyards in multiple countries
Construction is scheduled to take 19 months and will be carried out in Yichang, China.
Vessel Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 67 metres |
| Width | 16 metres |
| Draft | 3.3 metres |
| Deck height | 4.8 metres |
| Maximum speed | 10–12 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 380 people |
| Cargo capacity | 940+ tonnes |
| Crew | 16 |
The vessel was designed by IMS Nord in cooperation with the Port Authority of Timor-Leste (Aportil).
Routes and Purpose
The new ship will strengthen maritime transport services along the north coast, initially connecting:
- Dili (capital)
- Oecusse (enclave)
- Ataúro Island
Once supporting infrastructure works are completed, services will be extended along the remainder of the coastline.
The vessel will replace the Nakroma, the current ferry serving those routes, which is in need of significant repairs. It is also notable as the only ship in Timor-Leste certified for the safe transportation of hazardous materials.
Workforce Development
Minister José Agustinho da Silva noted that 20 Timorese crew members have already been trained for the maritime sector, with support from Germany, in preparation for the new vessel’s arrival.
Potential for Broader Cooperation
Damen’s regional commercial director Gysbert Boersma expressed hopes that the contract could be the start of wider collaboration between the Dutch company and Timor-Leste, potentially spanning:
- Fisheries support
- Shipbuilding
- Oil and natural gas sector
“Damen is more than just ships — I hope this can be the beginning of a great relationship. We want to ensure that Damen can support more projects, help generate economic activity and employment,” Boersma said.
The signing ceremony was attended by several members of the Government, including Minister of State Agio Pereira, members of parliament, and officials from various Timorese public institutions.