Singapore yard secures conversion and shipbuilding contracts

The contracts cover upgrades to an FPSO vessel, conversion of a livestock carrier, and building of a diving support vessel.

The company says that these latest projects edge up the total value of new contracts secured in 2010 to a total of S$3.2 billion.

The FPSO upgrade is for one of Keppel Shipyard’s long-standing customers, Single Buoy Moorings (SBM), on its FPSO Espadarte, which was previously converted by the yard in 2000. The ship is expected to arrive at Keppel Shipyard in the second quarter of 2011. The scope of the work includes upgrading the accommodation facilities, modifying the existing topside modules and internal turret mooring system, plus installing and integrating new topside process modules. FPSO Espadarte is expected to return to Brazil in the first quarter of 2012 where it will be deployed by Petrobras in the Baleia Azul field in Campos Basin. Keppel Shipyard’s current projects for SBM include the conversions of FPSO Okha, FPSO Aseng and FPSO Cidade de Paraty.

Additionally, Keppel Shipyard has secured its third livestock carrier conversion project from the Hijazi & Ghosheh Group. This contract involves converting the container ship Reestborg into a livestock carrier for Hijazi & Ghosheh’s affiliate company, Reestborg Compania Naviera. The work includes provision of design engineering services, equipment procurement, as well as modifying the ship’s structural, piping and electrical systems. When completed in the second quarter of 2011, the livestock carrier will operate between Australia and the Middle East.

Keppel Singmarine’s new order comes from a Malaysian customer, to build a diving support vessel. The 80m ship will be based on a new design from Keppel’s marine technology development unit for the customer, intended to perform multiple functions including rescue and subsea operations. Completion is scheduled for the second quarter of 2012.