By
Alex Smith |
Damen Yichang Shipyard in China has launched Berlin-Ramelau, a ro-pax ferry under construction for the Port Authority of Timor-Leste (APORTIL). Berlin-Ramelau will have capacity for up to 308 passengers, and will operate between Timor-Leste’s capital Dili, the Oecusse enclave and the island of Ataúro.
The virtual launch event was attended by delegates from Damen, APORTIL and representatives of the government of Timor-Leste in China. The launch button was pressed by Abrao dos Santos, the ambassador of Timor-Leste to China; Deng Zhiping, managing director of Damen Yichang Shipyard; and Shengtong Wang, Damen sales manager for Asia Pacific.
Maria Albert Gonclave, third secretary of Timor-Leste in China, released the bottle of champagne to name the vessel Berlin-Ramelau. The name, featuring the capital of Germany and the highest mountain in Timor-Leste, symbolises the co-funding of the vessel by the governments of the two countries.
“Even facing numerous obstacles, this project execution has managed to proceed, with nearly no deviation, towards its final destination in Dili,” said Flavio Cardoso Neves, president of the board at APORTIL. “The pandemic crisis has limited parties from travelling and made difficult the circulation of materials around the world. But the whole team commitment, adaption and perseverance has led us to this day. Such is the strong personality of the maritime industry and its people.”
The shipyard will now continue with the outfitting of the vessel. She will then sail to Shanghai, China, for sea trials, before leaving for Dili in July.