The Lifecycle Services (LCS) unit of STX Finland has entered an agreement for push barge fleet modernization on April 29 with Aspo Group member ESL Shipping. The agreement covers the docking and modernization work on two push barges and four barges.
In February 2011, ESL Shipping signed a long-term agreement with Rautaruukki for the marine transport of raw materials on the Baltic Sea, and for this reason ESL Shipping announced that it will modernize its existing push barge fleet during summer 2011.
Work shall be carried out on the Arctech Helsinki Shipyard. Push barge MS Rautaruukki and barge Tasku arrived at the Helsinki shipyard yesterday, and the next barge will arrive in about a week. Work will start immediately and will continue until the end of August. The most significant modernization targets are the renovation of the automation systems on all six ships and the renovation of the decks of the barges. In addition, several various repairs and maintenance works are performed on the ships, such as painting and welding as well as piping, machine and electrical work.