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VT Launches Second Oman Corvette The second of two corvettes Vosper Thornycroft (VT) is build- ing for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) has been launched at the company's Southampton, U.K. shipyard. The 272.3-ft. (83-m) vessel was named SNV Al Mua'zzar by her sponsor, His Highness Sayyid Fahad bin Mahmoud Al Said, deputy prime minister for the Council of Ministers, during a spe- cial ceremony to mark the occa- sion. The launch of the second RNO corvette reflects another busy peri- od at VT, which currently has an orderbook comprising 15 ships. This month, work has also started on the first new batch of seven Sandown class minehunters for the Royal Navy. A combination of VT's advanced production techniques and experi- ence from building the first-of-class RNO corvette has meant increased efficiency in the construction of the second, which was much further advanced at launch — and VT is on schedule to complete both ships during 1996. The Parts Information Network That Speaks For Itself Broadcast from: Hull, United Kingdom "Motorized landing craft type vessel. Capable of carrying 90 tonnes of deck cargo. Please contact: (Overhaul & Service Company) via ILS DIRECT." Broadcast from: Republic of Korea "Requisition for ships spare M/T K Prime — Oil content meter for oily water separator, model ET-25 Drawing No. 321-28401, Maker: Shimadzu Seisakusho Ltd. Interchangeable models O.K. If you quote other maker, please send drawings. Please contact: (Shipowner)" Broadcast from: LaPorte, Texas "For Sale: B&W L60MC Engine-Forty (40) complete fuel injectors Sulzer RLB 90 - Four (4) fuel injectors, one (1) exhaust valve, one (1) exhaust valve seat MAK 551 -Two (2) cylinder covers, Two (2) connecting rods Call (Marine Repair Company)" Broadcast from: Singapore "Please advise cost and delivery time for the following: (A) one unit fully reconditioned Caterpillar Aux. Generator Complete with alternator and certificate. Spec: 430 KW/550 KVA at 1500 RPM, 380 volts, 50 hertz. Please contact (Trading Company)" Memphis 1-901-794-5000 Fax 1-901-794-1760 London 44-1293-562011 Fax 44-1293-562066 Hong Kong 852-2543-7735 Fax 852-2541-5908 Broadcast from: Piraeus, Greece "Required: For D/G MEP-MAN Type R8V 16/18 TLS One crank- shaft (brand new). For ship arriving in Houston ETA 26/5/95. Contact: (Shipowner) via ILS DIRECT" Each month, more than 1,500 messages like those above are broadcast via the ILS network to buy or sell marine parts, equipment and services. This is just one of the ways ILS brings marine buyers and suppliers together. ILS also gives customers: Information to buy and sell marine parts and equipment - worldwide • On-line data base gives you around-the-clock access to over 3 million items from marine suppliers - locate the parts you need, then contact the seller directly Communications that put you in touch with the world • Communicate with other buyers and sellers across time zones using your own secure electronic mailbox - for much less than other methods Discover the fastest, most efficient trade route ever to buy or sell marine parts and equipment. Call or fax today! The Marine Parts information Network Circle 303 on Reader Service Card ILS Propulsion is provided by four Crossley Pielstick medium-speed, 16-cylinder V form diesel engines, which will drive two controllable- pitch propellers through reduction gearboxes. Each machinery set operates independently and one engine per shaft is sufficient to obtain speeds in excess of 20 knots. VT Shipbuilding Director Dick Taylor commented: "We have achieved a new level of perfor- mance in building the second RNO corvette and it is a tribute to every- one involved." The first of the RNO corvettes, SNV Qahir Al Amwaj, is due to arrive in Oman late in 1996 after an intensive period of sea trials and training in U.K. waters. Initial sea trials have already gone well and weapons trials will start next month. The second corvette will follow early in 1997. The corvette design is a versatile base design that has already attracted strong interest world- wide. An identical hull form can be used to provide a platform for a range of vessels including light frigates and offshore patrol ves- sels. The hull form with small variations has already been offered to other customers seeking ships which vary slightly from a lightly armed OPV version to more heavi- ly armed vessels. "This particular version has state-of-the-art electronics and weapons systems," said Laurence Gandar, VT director of ship sales, "but the design can be adapted to accept a wide range of weapons systems, meaning that it can per- form an extensive range of tasks for navies throughout the world." For more information on VT Circle 125 on Reader Service Card APL Japan Arrives In Port Of Hamburg Another mega-containership of the post-Panamax HDW Gener- ation 6000, the 4,832 TEU APL Japan, recently arrived in the Port of Hamburg, Germany. Her sister- ship, the APL China, had already called in the Port in its maiden voyage from Kiel to the U.S. The newly completed APL Japan, which was built for the trans- Pacific traffic of American President Lines (APL), was han- dled at the Eurokai container ter- minal. With tonnages of 4,502 grt, maximum speeds of 26 knots, and drafts of 46 ft. (14 m), Japan and China are among the world's largest and fastest containerships. 26 Maritime Reporter/Engineering News