Damen cuts steel for new ferry for Timor-Leste

Damen Yichang Shipyard has cut the first steel for a new Ro-Pax ferry ordered by the Government of Timor-Leste for local operator Port Authority of Timor-Leste (Administrasaun Portuariu Timor Leste; APORTIL).

When completed, the 67- by 16-metre vessel will operate a route between Timor-Leste’s capital Dili, the Oecusse enclave, and the island of Ataúro. It will carry up to 380 passengers plus vehicles and goods and will be powered by two Yanmar 837kW engines that will deliver a maximum speed of 10 knots.

The project is co-funded by the governments of Timor-Leste and Germany and is scheduled to begin operations in 2021.