Sembawang secures two upgrading contracts

The

first contract involves an upgrading project from Interislander, a division of Kiwirail Limited, New Zealand, for the lengthening and dry-docking repairs of its 12,956gt ropax ferry, Aratere. Contracted for $24 million, the Aratereis expected in the shipyard in March 2011, whereby a new bow section and a newly fabricated 29.25m mid-body section will be fitted to the existing 150m vessel.

Other major upgrading works include the outfitting and refurbishment of existing passenger areas on the two upper decks. Upon completion of its upgrading and lengthening, the newly enhanced Araterewill continue to operate in New Zealand waters, offering the most modern and high-tech cruise experience across the Cook Strait.

The

other contract was awarded by Carnival Australia for the upgrading and refurbishment of its latest cruise ship, the 63,500gt Pacific Pearl, originally built as Princess Cruises’ Star Princess. This is the second upgrading project for Carnival Australia, part of Carnival Corporation, following the successful refurbishment of Pacific Jewelin November 2009.

The

scope of work includes the repairs to life boats and tender boats, installation of four new tender boats/davits, fabrication and installation of a new canteen centre.

The

Pacific Pearl

arrived at the shipyard in November 2010 and, following the three-week upgrade, will make her way to Auckland for her official naming on 21December prior to sailing to Sydney to commence her first Australian season.