Keppel Wins $17M Contract

Keppel Shipyard, a member of the Keppel Hitachi Zosen Group, won a $17 million contract from Blue Ice Shipping Corporation to convert a container vessel into a livestock carrier. Maysora -- a 643 x 93 x 52.8 ft. (196 x 28.4 x 16.1 m), 24,515 dwt container vessel will be converted into a fully outfitted livestock vessel with a minimum carrying capacity of 70,560 sheep and 5,640 cattle. Mr Charles Foo, Managing Director of Keppel Hitachi Zosen said, "We were awarded this job based on our competitive pricing and wealth of experience in conversion projects, specifically livestock carrier conversions. "Since 1973 when we completed our first livestock carrier conversion, we have undertaken 19 similar projects, the latest being the Friesian Express which was converted from a reefer vessel into a cattle carrier for Vroon bv." During the conversion, Keppel Shipyard will increase Maysora's carrying capacity by maximizing all available space in the vessel. Steel decks will be constructed in the holds and the main deck, which will be laid with bolidt deck coating, an anti-corrosive material. Pen structures with ventilation trunkings in holds and above the deck will be built, and sheep pens made of aluminum will be installed for the intermediate tiers of the pens. Other additions include a piping system (for drinking, drainage, deck wash and fire fighting), fodder tanks and a fodder distribution system. In addition, a diesel electric generator and freshwater generators will also be installed. Work on the vessel is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2001. The Keppel Hitachi Zosen Group is also currently busy with the construction of two cable laying and repair vessels for C.S. Tycom Reliance, a Semi-Submersible Self-Erecting Tender Rig (SSETR) for Smedvig Asia and a crane barge and two tugs for Bin Nowiran Establishment of Kuwait.