STX launches a dozen using SLS technology

STX Shipbuilding in South Korea’s has built 12 ships this year using its self-developed non-dock shipbuilding technology called “Skid Launching System (SLS).” The 12th SLS-based 51,000 DWT product tanker was launched after only 30 days of work at its Jinhae yard, the shortest construction period in the world according to the company.

The SLS method enables the yard to build ships on land, thus helping cut the shipbuilding period by over 40% from the previous 52 days according to the company.

STX Shipbuilding also plans to launch two more vessels before the end of the year making it the most productive dock in the world with 27 ships launched there so far this year. STX President Chung Gwang-seok said his company will expand investments in non-dock shipbuilding facilities to become the world’s fifth largest shipbuilder by 2010