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.