On April 27, Damen Yichang Shipyard in China conducted a steel cutting ceremony through a digital gathering, for the first steel cut for a Damen RoPax Ferry 6716 for the Government of Timor-Leste.
Specifically, the COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing allowed the shipyard to conduct a virtual steel cutting ceremony and invite clients and guests to attend the event.
Damen sales manager Gysbert Boersma commented that
During the coronavirus crisis, our first priority is for peoples’ safety and well-being. We do, however, still like to mark these important milestones so we do so in a safety-conscious manner, with the aid of digital communications. The steel cutting was a great success; we certainly still managed to make it a special event.
The attendees of the digital ceremony included representatives of the Government of Timor-Leste and Damen employees in both China and the Netherlands. After this, Damen Yichang Shipyard General Manager Mr Deng Zhiping pushed the button and the first steel was cut.
When the vessel is completed, it will serve the shipping route between Timor-Leste’s capital Dili, the Oecusse enclave and the island of Ataúro. The Government of Timor-Leste has stated that the ferry will open up new opportunities for commerce, education and employment in the country.
Overall, digitalization has enabled the shipping industry to continue operations as safe as possible, highlighting the importance of technology within the sector.
