Damen Shipyards to Deliver a Modular Drydock to Djibouti

Djibouti’s busy port is one of the most important gateways to the African continent and is strategically located at the confluence of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides maintenance of the Port Authorities’ own fleet, the dock will be used for repair and maintenance of port-calling vessels.

The dock, that measures 50 x 20 m, is to be used for repair and maintenance of the Authorities’ fleet, which consists of various supporting vessels such as tugs, shoal busters and pilot vessels. The delivery of the DMD 4020, currently under construction in Dubai, is scheduled for the second half of 2012. After testing in Dubai and delivery of the dock in Djibouti, a Damen Services team will stay on location for two years to give operational and technical support. Damen Services in Gorinchem (The Netherlands) will support the dock operations by supplying parts, equipment and expertise.

Damen Modular Dock 4020

The practical and competitive dock can be built worldwide and can be used in various types of marine circumstances. It can also be outfitted with cranes, accommodation units, roller blocks, workshop units, sandblast curtains and dock mooring systems. In fact, with an ISO 14001 certification, it lives up to the latest standards in environmental care. The design incorporates such features as low emission motors, LED lighting and dedicated systems for waste management and spills avoidance.

The secret lies in the simplicity of the construction, consisting of two wing walls that are coupled to a number of individual pontoons. Marcel Karsijns, Manager Special Projects, says:

“Every unit measures 10 metres. You can enlarge the dock to a length of 100 metres whenever you choose. Modules and wing walls are coupled afloat. It’s equally simple to unlock the components. You can upkeep and repair these modules in the dock itself, making the dock self-maintaining. In addition, the dock contributes to the uptime and success of our customer’s fleet.”