The first vessel of Damen Shipyard's new Crane Barge (CBa) 6324 transshipment barge series has been delivered to a client in Uruguay.
A customised built-to-stock vessel, the barge measures 63 metres x 23.5 metres and features a unique mooring spread from Vryhof Anchors and Damen Anchor and Chain Factory (AKF).
According to Damen, the vessel design will also be fitted with a Liebherr CBG 350 crane as standard. The barge is also able to handle either dry bulk cargo or containers and can be outfitted with a self-propulsion system.
Alex Westendarp Knol, Damen's Sales Manager Americas, said the first-of-type crane barge will be used for transhipping large quantities of soy or iron ore from barge convoys coming down the Hidrovia Paraná-Paraguai to ocean-going Panamax vessels bound for Europe and Asia.
The barge's customised eight-point mooring spread allows the barge to remain independent from quay operations.
The CBa 6324 has onboard accommodation for up to twelve people including a pantry, office and changing room as well as cabins.
Another unique feature of the barge is a custom-made, 70-tonne, three-leg towing bridle for connecting the vessel to a tug during transportation.
The main bridle consists of two 20-metre legs, a five-metre leg, one triplate and three shackles.