EDT newbuilds delayed again

EDT Offshore’s two platform-supply-vessel (PSV) newbuildings in Spain have been delayed by a further six months. Cyprus-based EDT’s first unit from Astilleros de Sevilla is expected to be launched in October, while the second has been passed over until next year.

It is understood that the first 4,700 DWT vessel was previously scheduled for delivery in August, with its sistership is set to follow in November. EDT chief executive Eas Tchacos confirms the delay but failed to respond to more detailed questions.

Both vessels remain unfixed and sources believe the hold-up will actually work in the owner’s favour. “To EDT this is good news that the vessels are delayed,” said one source familiar with the project. “The last thing you want right now is vessels coming out in the next couple of months. You would just be left holding them and paying the bills. “Everybody would be fairly happy to take vessels six months after they are expected in this market. A lot of people are hoping for delays at the moment.”

EDT signed up for the Ulstein PX-105 pair at Astilleros de Sevilla in August 2007 with the offshore-ordering boom in full flow. When the contract was placed, the first ship was slated for delivery in April 2009 and the second in August.