VEKA Group delivers first ship to South American shipowner VEKA Group delivered its first inland vessel to Paraguay in early July. “This is the beginning to sweep the South American market,” says Jan Versluis for VEKA Group. “In Paraguay, about 70 per cent of transport is done by water. The economy grew by 14 per cent in 2012 and is also showing explosive growth this year. This market offers unprecedented opportunities.”Supplier and partner“VEKA Group has been looking at the South American market for the past three years,” explains Versluis. “We’ve gained a clear overview, and today we can report the first success: the sale of the first inland vessel for Paraguay. I can also announce that we have found a partner who we’ll work with to secure this market.” The partner, who is also the buyer of the first ship, has been active on the South American market for a long time and has a number of companies related to transport, transfer, import and export. “When we were looking for a supplier for a new inland vessel and we studied the options for collaboration on the maritime market, we found VEKA Group,” explains a representative of the company. “When it comes to ship building, VEKA is one of the best in the world and they have extensive experience in international operations. All in all, they are an ideal partner to help realize our plans.”One of the most important shipping routes The South American company is no stranger to the Dutch market. “We primarily transport meat from Argentina and Uruguay to Europe. It arrives in Rotterdam and is transported onwards from there. But most of our activities involve transport on the Paraguay River. This river is one of the most important navigation routes in South America and runs from Brazil to Argentina via Paraguay. We were looking for a new ship for this route.”Prepared for severe conditionsThe new ship has been specifically prepared for operation under severe conditions. “It is truly American: big, heavy, broad and solid,” says Joep Berghuis, director at the VEKA Group’s yard where the ship was built. “And it has to be. The Paraguay River has an estuary over 200 kilometres wide at Montevideo. That waterway is comparable to coastal waters. It is turbulent and the wave height can increase quickly. That is why the bulwarks were raised by 1.5 metres, which enabled us to create higher side decks and a greater cargo capacity. The midship section was also reinforced to make the ship stiffer and stronger and less flexible in the length axis. A sea railing was also installed on the stern and we placed a complete catwalk on the starboard side so that you can walk freely from stem to stern.”Good opportunities for VEKA GroupIn Paraguay, the majority of transport by water is provided by pushers and barges that transport containers and bulk goods. The Paraguay River is over 1,900 kilometres long and the country’s entire navigation network is about 3,100 kilometres in length. Research by the Dutch government has shown that a large part of the current South American fleet is obsolete. “This offers good opportunities for VEKA Group,” says Versluis. “The ship delivered is the first Dutch inland vessel that will sail in Paraguay. We see this as a first step.” Versluis expects that more orders will follow after this first step. “It isn’t just Paraguay. Almost every country in South America will show economic growth. This is a part of the world where things are happening and much more can happen.” All-round maritime service provider VEKA Group has been active in the maritime industry since 1988. In its 25-year history, the concern has grown to become an all-round maritime service provider with international operations. Aside from various yards in the Netherlands and abroad, VEKA also has its own shipping company. Specifications of the ship
Length 135.00 metres
Beam 17.50 metres
Maximum draught 3.70 metres
Load capacity 5,200 tons
Propulsion 2 Caterpillar type 3512 engines
Length 135.00 metres
Beam 17.50 metres
Maximum draught 3.70 metres
Load capacity 5,200 tons
Propulsion 2 Caterpillar type 3512 engines