Keppel Shipyard Clinches Jumboization Contract

Keppel Shipyard has secured a S$7 million contract from Smedvig Asia for the jumboization and upgrading of their Drilling Tender Barge, Robray T7. On completion of the works, Robray T7 will have enhanced capabilities and will be deployed for offshore operations in Thailand. Nelson Yeo, Executive Director of Keppel Hitachi Zosen said, "This is the second jumboization project we have secured this year, and it is testimony to our customers' confidence in our expertise and our ability to deliver quality work at competitive prices." Keppel Shipyard's scope of work on Robray T7 includes the widening of the vessel by 30 feet at the starboard side from the forward to the aft, the erection of new accommodation deck house and upgrading of accommodation units, the installation of a 150-ton main crane, new generator engines and new ventilation and air-con units, and the upgrading of the lighting transformer. The barge currently has a length overall of around 87 m, a breadth of 18 m, and a depth of 13 m. Following the widening, the vessel's breadth will be increased to 27.4 m increasing the capacity from around 1,566 sq. m to 2,384 sq. m. RobRay T7 is expected to arrive at Keppel Shipyard in December 2000. Work on the vessel is targeted for completion around June 2001.