In an efficient near-assembly-line process at Far East Shipyard in Sibu a series of 29-meter tugs are being built and delivered to an Indonesian owner, Pte. Arpeni Pratama Ocean Line Tbk.. The first of these boats, Cigading, was delivered in mid-January. By late March, the second boat, Paiton, was ready for delivery. A third was taking shape on the yard’s ways while the steel for the fourth vessel was being cut nearby. The United Ship Design hulls, with their 9-meter beams 4.267-meter molded depth (29.53x14), feature the double-chined hulls common to many boats built in Sarawak. The shafts are encased in skeg-like pieces that serve both as shaft struts and protection when working in shallow water. A raised fo’c’sle and bilge keels contribute to good sea-keeping abilities.
