Ezra orders two more offshore vessels

Ezra Holdings Limited in Singapore has placed orders for two new offshore service vessels totalling S$95 million. The first contract, worth S$69 million, was awarded to Keppel Singmarine Pte Ltd, to construct a 22,000 kW Rolls-Royce designed UT788 CDL multi-functional support vessel (MFSV), an upgrade from the current two UT788s being

built in Drydocks World, Singapore.

To be delivered in 2010, it will join Ezra?s fleet of four other deepwater MFSVs on order

which will spearhead the Group?s move into harsh environment deepwater offshore

support services work. The other MFS vessels are slated to be delivered in 2009 and 2010. The vessels can accommodate 100 personnel at any one time, will have a bollard pull in excess of 300 tonnes and DP3 capability, which enhances the vessel?s redundancy. This is such that overall operations will not be affected in the event of fire or flooding in one part of the vessel. In addition to deepwater anchor handling, towing and supply operations, the vessel will be able to carry highly hazardous liquids, as well as perform deepwater well-installation and well intervention services.

The Group has also ordered a new twin-screw anchor handling tug supply vessel (AHTS)

from Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd for S$26 million. The AHTS with DP2, is designed for multi-purpose roles and operations in unrestricted waters, with capabilities ranging from anchor handling, transporting liquid cargo for supply runs, towing and mooring drilling rigs, standby and rescue services as well as external fire fighting. Its excellent manoeuvrability and station keeping is achieved using twin controllable pitch propellers, twin rudders and transverse bow and stern thrusters linked to a DP-enabled joystick control.