Sembawang Maritime Ltd Orders Two New Tugs Worth 49 Million From PRC
Sembawang Maritime Ltd (SML) signed a $9.0 million contract to acquire two new 3,200 bhp Z-drive tugs from the People's Republic of China.
The contract has been awarded to Beijing Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDC). This is a repeat order with BEDC following the delivery of the first three tugs in January 1994.
The contract with BEDC was signed by Mr. Billy Lee Beng Cheng, President, SML and Mr Liu Jian Sin, DeputyGeneral Manager, BEDC on 3rd January 1995 at SML's office in Singapore.
The purchase of the new high-powered tugs is part of SML's on-going fleet upgrading programme. With the new addition, SML will have 29 harbour tugs in its fleet, making SML South East Asia's largest private harbour tug operator.
The new Z-drive tugs will be built at Xinhe Shipyard in Tianjin, China. The tugs are expected to be delivered in late 1995. Equipped with low fuel consumption engines, the two new tugs will have centralised control and monitoring, and forward and aft retrieving winches for easy handling of towing lines. The tugs, which will also have a specially-designed wheelhouse for unobstructed all-round view and 360-degree steerable rudder propellers, are ideal for easy and precise positioning in congested harbour waters. Additional sophisticated fore fighting equipment and advanced oil pollution control system will also be installed on these tugs.
When completed, the tugs will be used for berthing and towing vessels in shipyards, port gateways, oil terminals and supply bases.
"The order will enable SML to capitalise on the growing demand for harbour bug services in Asia Pacific region" said Mr. Billy Lee.
"SML is currently finalising negotiations for a further order of three 4000 bhp tugs," added Mr. Billy Lee, who expects the order to be placed before the end of the first quarter of 1995.
BEDC is a major state-owned diversified group in PRC involved in technical, industrial, trading and commercial activities. BEDC also engages in joint-ventures, co-operative production, contract processing projects and compensation trade projects. It further provides a diversified range of services such as advertising, consulting, exhibitions and sales of Chinese and foreign goods.
SML, the listed maritime arm of Sembawang Corporation Ltd, is involved in international salvage and ocean towage; marine transportation; heavy lifts, oil pollution control, ferry operations; ship management; harbour towage, port and shipping related service activities and offshore logistic operations. SML, with its extensive ocean going fleet, has expanded its international operations recently from the Middle East to the Far East.
