Digital meeting marked the occasion because of the security measures surrounding the global COVID-19 outbreak.

Online ceremony attendance included members of workers from the Timor-Leste government and from Damen in both China and the Netherlands.

When completed, the 67-meter-long vessel will operate on a route between Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, the Oecusse enclave, and Ataúro Island. It will carry as many as 308 passengers, plus vehicles and goods.

The project is co-funded by the Timor-Leste and Germany governments, and is expected to commence operations in 2021.

Damen Yichang Shipyard has managed to continue production during the coronavirus crisis by taking "robust safety steps" to ensure the well-being of workers, their families and the broader community. 

Maritime Business World