IMSK adds two more Multigas carriers

Norwegian shipping group I.M. Skaugen ASA has confirmed an order for another two 10.000cbm sized Multigas carriers at a total cost of $62 million. These latest newbuildings will have advanced ice-class specifications (E3 in Germanischer Lloyd).

IMS now has 11 gas carriers in various sizes on order through Skaugen Marine Construction (SMC) in China and 6 of these are of the unique Multigas design. The Multigas vessels will have the capability to carry LNG in addition to Ethylene and LPG.

SMC will utilize its Chinese joint venture companies which means that the hulls will be built by Skaugen Wuzhou Shipbuilding at their Wuzhou yard, while the cargo containment systems will be constructed at Shenghui Gas & Chemical Systems Company that is partly owned by SMC. These latest gas carriers are scheduled for delivery in 2009 and 2010 and will trade as part of the Norgas fleet. The design and engineering of the vessels has been developed by IMS in cooperation with CarlBro AS in Copenhagen, while GL will assist in the classification process.

From an engineering and design viewpoint, the Multigas carriers are truly innovative, by offering increased flexibility and better capabilities in terms of cargo types at a construction price that puts it well ahead of the competition. SMC is assuming responsibility for not only the ship design and construction, but also for sourcing of steel, major components and, more importantly, building the key cargo handling systems and components. These ships will be built to GL specifications and the requirements of Singapore flag authorities.

IMS has for some time developed a framework for the renewal program of Skaugen?s Norgas fleet of gas carriers. Norgas is a market leader in the global transportation of petrochemical gases and chief amongst these is ethylene. The company currently operates a fleet of 19 ships and now have a newbuilding program of 15 gas carriers out of which 11 gas ships are confirmed. IMS still has to confirm orders for another four vessels under the current newbuilding scheme for Multigas vessels developed in early 2006.

IMSK has invested in infrastructure with both a shipyard and a cargo plant maker in China to ensure the supply of innovative and flexible vessels at low cost.