Djibouti’s port is one of the most important gateways to the African continent. Strategically located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, it benefits not only commercial shipping—due to its link to 19 countries— but also serves as a logistic hub for NATO, the EU, USA and other global players. Because of that strategic importance, the Port of Djibouti has made significant investments in the recent years to provide fast and safe vessel handling and berthing.
One of the latest investments is a 50-by-20-meter dry dock that is used for repair and maintenance. To protect the two entrances to this new dock, SFT designed and manufactured eight Wheel Fenders: four double WF 250-by-75 meters and four single WF 250-by-75 meters. Integrated into the floating dry dock, the eight systems were engineered by our in-house team and manufactured by our own facility in Rechlin, Germany, to make sure all important aspects of this demanding product are handled in-house.
Welding to ISO15614 standard was one of the key aspects of the manufacturing process, and was performed by our certificated and trained welders. Hired by the client as an independent third party, Lloyd’s Register supervised the process and conducted periodic inspections to ensure compliance with project regulations.
SFT’s wide range of products that cover all mooring and berthing applications required in the maritime industry is one of our greatest strengths. The work of our specialists in the design, manufacture, and application of fenders and fender systems is yet another example of that strength.
Reprinted from Marine Construction Magazine Issue III, 2023.
