ShibataFenderTeam continues involvement in Surinam

Since 2012 ShibataFenderTeam fenders support the smooth berthing operations from VABI in Surinam.

VABI is a private company based in Surinam and mainly involved in the manufacturing and supply of high quality cement building products.

In 2012 they built their own river jetty to ease the delivery of raw material and distribution of finished products. The jetty, approx. 45 m in length by 15 m wide, is located on the Westbank, south of the Wijdenbosch bridge crossing the Surinam River. The jetty is mostly receiving sand barges from the inland, upstream the Surinam River, and ocean going cement vessels.

In 2012, ShibataFenderTeam supplied five SPC 800 Cone Fender Systems (G2.7) with frontal panels 3.950 x 1.300 mm. Design vessels up to 6.800 DT having a draft of some 6 m can now safely berth at the new jetty.

With the growing demand for building products in Surinam, VABI terminal also showed an increase in vessel traffic and size. Vessels in the range of 120 m length are now also visiting the jetty and required an extra breasting mooring dolphin. 

Based on the satisfying cooperation and our high quality fender systems VABI asked us to propose and design an appropriate fender system early 2017. We were provided with the new vessel details which were the basis for the engineering process. This resulted into the double SPC 800 Cone Fender system (G1.9) for the new breasting mooring dolphin. By building this dolphin including a suitable fender system, the extension of berthing space was possible without building a new quay wall. The new construction now allows the larger vessel to safely berth to support VABI’s business.

The customer is very happy with the fender system and particularly liked our recommendations to include yellow end plates. This increases visibility and is of great help to the captains because all vessels calling at the jetty arrive without tug or pilot assistance.