Signal Awarded Contract to Build Power Barges

Signal International has been awarded $30m contract by Waller Marine Inc. of Houston, Texas. Under the contract Signal will build and support the outfitting of two 300 ft X 100 ft power barges.  Each barge will have a single GE 7FA Gas Turbine and 171 MW generator. Upon completion of the barges Waller Marine will install and operate the units in Venezuela.

The barges will be built to ABS classification at Signal’s shipyard in Orange, Texas. Signal recently concluded a three-year transformation of the Orange fabrication facility and shipyard. Nearly $40m has been invested in process improvements and continuous flow manufacturing methods. Implementation of modular construction and pre-outfitting techniques will facilitate production of the power barges with delivery slated for August 17, 2010.