View non-flash version
extensive integrated logistics sup- port including ship documentation, through-life support and training. Such close links with its custom- ers have helped to make VT one of the world leaders in ship sales to Gulf countries over the past three decades. Managing Director Martin Jay commented: "VT's close relation- ship with Gulf navies has been built on providing the best ships and supporting them throughout their operational lives." Efforts to en- sure the quality of those ships in- clude considerable investment in the latest computer-aided design workstations, one of Europe's big- gest laser steel cutting machines, advanced welding equipment and a new shipbuilding module hall. VT has an orderbook of approxi- mately $970 million, which includes 14 ships. Besides the Qatar con- tract, two corvettes are under con- struction for the Royal Navy of Oman and a minehunter for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces is being fitted out. Work also starts later this year on the first of seven minehunters for the Royal Navy in a contract that extends to the year 2001. For more information on Vosper Thornycroft Circle 64 on Reader Service Card HDW Awarded Certificate Of Quality Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) AG in Kiel, Germany, has been awarded the international ISO 9001 recognition of quality for its management team. Germanischer Lloyd's general agent, Professor Gerhard Fischer, presented the award to HDW's spokesperson for the board, Dr. Jiirgen Gol- lenbeck. The certificate covers all areas of production at the yard and is valid throughout the world. Since 1992, HDW has been in possession of the certification in the naval ship- building sector; merchant shipping and ship repair have now been added. GEC Alsthom Appoints President/CEO Pierre Bilger has been ap- pointed president and CEO of GEC Alsthom following Jean-Pierre Desgeorges' decision to resign as chairman of the management board. The management board com- prises: James Cronin, managing director; Kelvin Bray, managing director of the Power Generation Division; Claude Darmon, man- aging director of the Transporta- tion Division; andRobert Mahler, managing director of the Power Transmission & Distribution Divi- sion. For more information on GEC Alsthom Circle 71 on Reader Service Card Environment-Friendly Rust Removal System Norwegian company Dalseide Shipping Services A/S has devel- oped a rust-removal system that uses a rotating head with chain links. The "Rustibus" can be connected to an ejector and reportedly does not cause any pollution. Rustibus has a capacity of approximately 20-30 sq. m. per hour with a resulting surface in accordance with SA 1.5 - SA 2. If vessels require a surface quality up to SA 2.5 - SA 3, Rustibus can be used together with grit blasting. According to the manufacturer, Rustibus users claimed an increase in capacity from 40 sq. m. to 200 sq. m. of treated and painted surface per day, by combining Rustibus and grit blasting. For more information on Dalseide Circle 8 on Reader Service Card New Mud Handling System Introduced For Offshore Drilling BJ Services AS and AMEC Itronic AS of Norway have introduced a new mud handling system designed to save time and protect the envi- ronment. The system, which re- portedly requires almost no mainte- (Continued on page 20) CAN IMPROVE BULK CARRIER DESIGN. In September 1993, ABS launched the SafeHulf System for tanker newbuildings. This computer-based tool simulates the real-life experience of ships at sea. Then we introduced our ABS SafeHull Condition Assessment Services for existing tankers. Now we offer the SafeHull System for new and existing bulk carriers. The system determines the specific dynamic loads which act upon a bulk carrier at sea. It identifies critical structural areas that require enhancement, to lower the ship's operating stresses. ABS SafeHull for bulk carriers benefits designers, owners and operators. It helps reduce the risk of structural failures, thereby lowering your life-cycle maintenance and repair costs. SafeHull fulfills the ABS mission of promoting the safety of life and property at sea. For more information, call your nearest ABS office. New York 212 839-5Q00 Houston 713 873-0700 Singapore 65 276-8700 London 44-71 247-3255 QUALITY SYSTEM CERTIFIED BY IACS QSCS ¥ Seatrade AWARDS 1994 THE ABS SAFEHULL" SYSTEM May, 1995 Circle 202 on Reader Service Card 19