Concordia Damen books order for Paraguay-Paraná pusher

Image: Concordia Damen

Damen Shipyards inland waterways specialist Concordia Damen has signed a newbuilding contract with an undisclosed Paraguayan client for a 41-meter (134.5-foot) shallow draft river pusher, type CDS 4115. Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for 2027.

The vessel will be deployed on the Paraguay-Paraná River system to support regional logistics operations. It is the second CDS 4115 to be built and delivered by Concordia Damen for a South American customer, a confirmation of the design’s performance and proven operational value.

Designed for the Paraguay-Paraná River system

The new vessel will serve along the 2,695-kilometer Paraguay River. The CDS 4115 measures 41 by 15.5 meters (134.5 by 50.9 feet). In a push-barge configuration of 12 barges, the full combination reaches 281 by 48 meters, enabling large-scale cargo transport. The pushboat will be equipped with Caterpillar engines, producing 5,490 HP.

With prolonged periods of low water during the dry season, an optimized shallow-draft configuration is essential to ensure year-round navigation and high cargo efficiency. The design of the pushboat is therefore such that it can continue to operate even when water depth drops to only 6 feet, an essential advantage on this waterway.

“We are honored that we have been chosen for this joint project,” said Bert Duijzer, technical manager at Concordia Damen. “It confirms the trust in our CDS designs for the South American market, and our experience with the specific operational challenges of inland waterway transport in Paraguay and the region. At Concordia Damen, we aim to combine reliable performance with our clients’ operational wishes.”