Keppel secures conversion contracts

The Singapore shipyard’s latest project from SBM is for the conversion of the VLCC Bauhinia, into an FPSO facility, which is being developed for the Block I oil field, Aseng, located off Equatorial Guinea.

Work on the FPSO is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2010 and completed in the third quarter of 2011. The scope includes refurbishment and life extension works, accommodation block extensions, the fabrication and installation of a flare tower, an internal turret and topside module supports, as well as the installation and integration of topside modules.

Additionally, Keppel Shipyard secured a second contract to convert a vehicle carrier, Merlion Ace, into a livestock carrier for Merlion Ace Compania Naviera, an affiliate of Hijazi & Ghosheh, a livestock carrier owner and operator. The work scope includes design engineering, procurement of major equipment, modification of ship structural, piping and electrical systems.

To be renamed Ghena, the vessel is targeted for completion in the third quarter of 2010, and will ply the route between Australia and the Middle East.