View non-flash version
FAR EAST UPDATE the yard, although it is operated on a purely autonomous basis. This new drydock complimented the existing two graving docks — with capacities of 15,000 and 25,000- dwt, respectively. This new drydock is now main- land China's largest repair facility, and it has already drydocked its largest ever ship, Zodiac's 201,227- dwt bulk carrier Brazil Star, which entered the yard last year. Also in 1996, the yard carried out its two largest repair contracts onboard ships owned by Tsakos (600 tons of steel renewal) and European Navigation (400 to 500 tons). There are also plans this year to spend $3.5 million on new equip- ment, including grit blasting and painting units for the new drydock. A technical agreement with Singapore's Sembawang allowed the yard to gain a contract from U.S. oil major Phillips to carry out repairs to FPSO Nan Hai Kai Tuo, which is operating off the Chinese coast on behalf of China National Oil Co. Gwangzhou Wenchong is also a newbuilding yard and its current orderbook comprises a series of four 1,200-TEU containerships for Germany's Leonhardt & Blomberg. This first vessel, which is the owner's design, is due for delivery during July and will be followed every five and a half months by the deliveries of the remaining three ships in the series. To further its expertise in tank blasting and coatings operations, Nantong Shipyard is prepared to sign a cooperation agreement with German blasting specialist Mulhearn, most likely in May. The yard is also in the process of gain- ing ISO 9002 accreditation with DNV. The yard, which was founded in 1992, has recently become a joint venture, with Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries holding a 50 per- cent share. Facilities include two floating docks with capacities of 80,000 and 150,000 dwt, with the larger unit claiming honors as the largest floating dock in mainland China. The progress into the interna- tional market has been steady with management currently claiming about 60 percent of the ship repairs coming from overseas own- ers. The largest repair operation carried out involved Seahorse Shipping's bulk carrier Oceani Minanoa, which underwent som 1,700 tons of steel renewal durinj the latter part of 1995 and earb 1996. Repair Trends Competition from both mainland China and the Middle East is slow- ly taking a toll upon the Singapore area, the traditional world leader in the repair industry. This increased competition for Singapore has come at a time when the area has increased its repair capacity from some 2.8 million dwt capacity during the early 1990s to its present level of more than 4.1 million dwt. The main consequence of these two factors is that there is now likely to be, for the first time, a 1997 International Oil Spill Conference Improving Environmental Protection — Progress, Challenges, Responsibilities USCG USEPA API IPIECA IMO April 7 -10 Fort Lauderdale Convention Center Fort Lauderdale, Florida 15th Biennial Conference Featured Speakers: • Lesley Stahl, co-editor, CBS News 60 Minutes • Joanna Lumley, British television actress • "Dr. Beach," Stephen P. Leatherman, University of Maryland Coastal Research • Rear Admiral James C. "Jim" Card U. S. Coast Guard Registration: Courtesy Associates, Inc. Amy Landsbaum (202) 639-4202 Exhibits: Trade Associates, Inc. Richard Green (301)468-3210 CUT YOUR COSTS ABOVE AND BELOW THE DECK UNIFLEX RMVA Remote Mechanical Valve Actuators Deck Boxes & Remote Operators Available in 5. 150 and 250 turns of indication Flexible Shaft A single dia.. high-tensile, stainless steel flexible shaft assembly Output Gear Box Cyclo gearing, extreme load capacity up to 333 ft. lbs. output torque; complete system ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 6:1, 9:1 and 15:1 Valve Couplings Standard, quick-disconnect type NAVSEA design Less means more. Less weight (up to 40% less than other remote operat- ing gear systems) and less complex installation |single-shaft design) mean more speed, greater payloads and more cost savings (maintenance, repair and opera- tion) for your company. And, our system is remarkably efficient. With as little as 50 ft. lbs. of input you can generate as much as 333 ft. lbs. output torque. Tested, tried and true. All components are heat resistant, noncorro- sive, Shock- and Vibe-tested. Plus, the Uniflex system is flame tested to API-607 and submergence tested to MIL-STD-810E. Our growing list of satisfied customers speaks for itself—call for references. Free literature. For more information on Uniflex RMVA, contact our Valve Control Products team today. C11IOTT MANUFACTURING PO Box 773 Binghamton, NY 13902 Telephone (607)772-0404 Fax (607)772-1358 88 Circle 325 on Reader Service Card
