Seabulk orders four newbuild AHTS

Seabulk International today announced that it had signed a contract with Labroy Shipbuilding of Singapore for the construction of four sophisticated 7,000-horsepower Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessels (AHTSs) for its international offshore fleet. Delivery of the vessels is scheduled for 2006, and the contracts include an option for four additional vessels.

“These are multi-functional, high-specification vessels that can work anywhere in the world,” commented Chairman and Chief Executive Gerhard E. Kurz. “They bring to 15 the number of new vessels we have ordered or acquired over the last two years as part of our ongoing fleet renewal program. Six units are already in service, and we took delivery of a seventh – the Seabulk Brasil – just last week. One more is scheduled for delivery in 2004, three in 2005, and the four announced today in 2006. All of the vessels are targeted to our international fleet, with the majority going to our expanding West African market.”

AHTSs, such as those in the 7,000- horsepower range, are in high demand in areas of expanding offshore activity, such as West Africa and Southeast Asia.