Sembcorp Marine, which is set to announce third quarter earnings, is best known as a ship repairer, conversion specialist and builder of oil rigs. This week, however, the company announced that it has won a contract for two more 2,600 teu container ships from German owner Reederei F Laeisz at a contract price of US$42m each. The ships, which will be built at the group’s Jurong shipyard, are costing 33% more than similar units ordered by Taiwan’s Wan Hai Lines last year. However, the German owner may yet demonstrate his astute timing, for the vessels are due for delivery in Mar and Sept 2006, ahead of the delivery dates available at most Far East mainstream shipbuilders.
