Gulfmark newbuildings for Keppel Singmarine

Keppel Singmarine has clinched a contract worth $135 million to build six Anchor Handling Tug/Supply (AHTS) vessels for Gulfmark Offshore, Inc.

Two of these six 10,700 bhp AHTS vessels of 2,700 dwt each will be built in the Keppel Nantong Shipyard and is the first contract for Keppel?s newly acquired shipyard in China.

The first vessel is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2007, with progressive deliveries subsequently till the final delivery in the third quarter of 2008. Customised to Gulfmark?s requirements, the six vessels are of Keppel?s Marine Technology Development?s (MTD) very own design. They are being built to meet the growing demand of Gulfmark Offshore?s customers in Southeast Asia.

Keppel has earlier this year delivered two AHTS vessels, Coloso and Titan, also of MTD design, to Gulfmark Offshore. Bruce Streeter, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Gulfmark Offshore, Inc, commented: “These new vessels are the culmination of over 18 months of planning and are designed to respond to the growing demand created by increased oil and natural gas development activities as well as the new construction of drilling rigs. The contract was won against stiff competition from European and American yards.