Keppel Hitachi Zosen Wins $74.6 million Contract
Keppel Hitachi Zosen has clinched a contract to build two cable laying and repair vessels for a total contract value of more than $74.6 million from C. S. Tycom Reliance, Inc., a subsidiary of Tyco Submarine Systems Ltd. The construction of the cable laying and repair ships will be performed by Hitachi Zosen Singapore, a division of Keppel Hitachi Zosen. Work on the two newbuildings has commenced, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery in the third quarter, and the second vessel in the fourth quarter of 2001. The cable laying and repair vessels, each 7,8000-dwt, are twinscrew, diesel electric-driven and dynamically positioned ships. Measuring 459 ft. (140 m), a breadth of 69 ft. (21 m), with a designed load draft of 25 ft. (7.8 m), the vessels have a speed of 13.9 knots.
Repair Market Gains Muscle
Shipyards around the world are facing increasingly stringent environmental rules and regulations, adding additional expense to a business sector with an already reputed thin bottom line. Nonetheless, to stay in business shipyards must continuously enhance their capabilities and compliance, in order to successfully woo and complete lucrative jobs. U.S. shipyards have aggressively been augmenting traditional repair expertise with the tools and systems needed to prosper in 2000 and far beyond. The ensuing editorial updates significant activities and enhancements at U.S. ship repair yards. Detyens Shipyards based in North Charleston, S.C., is continuing its upbeat course of developing trusted relationships with customers along the U.S. East Coast — specifically with Hvide Marine, Inc.
