September 7 - Russian freight forwarding company Sovfracht has completed the purchase of a Damen Riverstar 3 pontoon.
Specifically designed to fit through the Volga-Don canal, the barge is capable of transporting units weighing up to 2,500 tonnes through shallow water, and loading and unloading cargoes at temporary pier infrastructure.
Sovfracht explained that there are currently only two such pontoons operating on Russia's inland waterway system, and both units are currently employed in the Siberian region.
The company added that its new pontoon has been at drydock for maintenance but is scheduled to become available for provisional hire this month.