View non-flash version
The U.S. ship repair sector, a staple of many domestic shipyards, posted a recovery during the first half of 1992 after a slight drop off in 1991, due mostly to the Persian Gulf conflict. Many ships postponed their regu- lar drydockings because they were busy in the Gulf sealift effort. The value of ship repair work in the U.S. has hovered around the $1.5 billion mark over the last few years. Tanker Orders Up Driven by the urgent need for replacement of older tonnage, the worldwide tanker order book climbed to a 15-year high. According to Lloyd's Register of Shipping, as of June 1992, there were 408 oil tankers and combined carriers under construction or on order, totaling 35.6 million dwt for delivery between this year and 1995 and beyond. Japan led all nations with orders for 136 tankers and combined carri- ers totaling 15.08 million dwt, fol- lowed by South Korea, with 59 ships totaling 8.79 million dwt, and Italy, with 30 vessels totaling 793,700 dwt. Based on deadweight tonnage, how- ever, Denmark ranked third in the world, with 12 tankers and combicarriers on order or under con- struction totaling 3.02 million dwt. New IMO and OPA 90 tanker construction regulations have in- creased orders for double-skin ships. There are currently 94 double-side, double-bottom and double-hull oil tankers on order for delivery from 1992-94. Fifty-two were scheduled for de- livery this year totaling 5.3 million dwt. In 1993,32 such vessels aggre- gating 4.1 million dwt will be deliv- ered and overall 10 tankers totaling 1.9 million dwt will be delivered in 1994. Currently, there are 41 double- hull tankers on order or under con- struction around the world to ABS Class totaling over 5 million dwt. Three VLCCs in the 280,000- 300,000-dwt range were under con- struction to Det norske Veritas (DnV) classification. Ship Prices Spurred by increased demand, ship prices have risen sharply since the mid-1980s. And although ship prices have dipped somewhat in 1992 in response to a slowdown in ordering, low Tonnage on Order Worldwide Source: Lloyd's Register 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 Merchant Ships on Order Worldwide (as of Jan. 1 of each year) 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 Source: Lloyd's Register Craft America Need MIG Aluminum Welders? Craft America's MIG Aluminum Welding Special- ists are available to support your welding require- ments anywhere in the United States. ...Welding Specialist certified under MIL 248-D ...Specific experience on Shipalt FFG-7-146K ...Supervised Tiger Teams with MIG equipment • Certified Welders (Mil 248-D) • Shipfitters • Pipefitters Outside Machinist • Marine Electricians • Sheet Metal/Joiners 1302 Ingleside Road, Norfolk, Virginia 23502 Nationwide Toll-Free (800) 859-1213 Facsimile (804) 857-1822 Contact: Rob Goff Congratulations Captain Uienry jCee! Ovako Steel, Inc., 22 Waterville Rd., Avon, CT 06001 (203) 677-6373 Washburn & Doughty Assoc., Inc. P.O. Box 296, East Boothbay, ME 04544 (207) 633-6517 ...First Ferry To Use Ovako's Innovative Shrink Wrapping Procedure. 50 Circle 210 on Reader Service Card Circle 241 on Reader Service Card Maritime Reporter/Engineering News