Netherlands-based maritime services company, SMIT has awarded Australian shipbuilder Strategic Marine the contract to build three aluminum hulled boats for use in its
Middle East operations.
Strategic Marine chairman, Mark Newbold, said the sale of the 22.1m crew/pilot boats re-enforced Strategic Marine’s reputation as a global shipbuilder.
“This is a major strategic step forward and builds on the delivery of three 31 metre
wellhead maintenance vessels to European client Svitzer,” said Mr Newbold.
“The contract is a positive step forward for the development of Strategic Marine’s brand and reputation in Europe and the Arabian Gulf offshore industry where both the Svitzer’s and SMIT’s vessels will operate”.
The crew/pilot boats will carry up to 30 passengers and 38sqm open deck space. All three vessels will be built at the company’s Tuas shipyard in Singapore.
Each will be powered by twin 1205 BHP Detroit MTU 10V2000M72 engines with a top speed of 26kts. All three ships are scheduled for delivery between August and November next year.
The latest signings follow the company’s recent US$11.89 million joint-venture contract for the construction of two 52m crew boats for Mexican-based Blue Marine Offshore Services, along with a 143m steel hulled dive support vessel for Singapore company, Marfield Ltd Inc.
Strategic also recently announced a contract to build four 31 metre offshore utility boats for Indonesian company PT Baruna Raya Logistics. The company’s order book now stands at more than 132 vessels worth more than US$204.8 million.