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Weblog May 2008
Over the next few weeks the third of our new converted vessels, the Talisman, will become operational. Trials commenced in the last week of April and delivery was scheduled shortly thereafter. With its first cargo waiting in the same area, the vessel can be mobilized at very short notice. Like the Target and Transporter, the vessel will be put into operational service immediately. Not surprisingly, its first cargo will be a new build jack-up rig.
We are extremely pleased with the addition of these vessels. So what if they’re not the best-looking ships around. Just take a good look when one of those large jack-ups is loaded (I have attached a photo of the Transporter with the Bob Keller of Rowan Drilling) and you will see a massive structure comfortably accommodating the large state-of-the-art Marathon LeTourneau Tarzan design jack-up drilling rig. These vessels are true workhorses and they definitely prove their worth.
Once the other three converted tankers, named the Treasure, Triumph and Trustee, have been delivered, the last vessel to be added in 2008 will be the Mighty Servant 3. The vessel is currently being refitted by the Bahama Shipyard and is still on schedule. It has been stripped completely all the way down to the bare steel and literally needs to be built up from scratch. The condition of the steel throughout the vessel is checked and renewed where necessary to meet the tolerances provided in the refit specification. Tanks will be cleaned and recoated. Following that ballast system, piping, electrical wiring, engines, auxiliary engines and equipment, accommodation and navigation systems will be placed. A substantial amount of equipment will be renewed, while essential capital-intensive equipment like the main engines will be completely refitted before being reinstalled. The main engines are practically new and fortunately still in remarkably good condition.
All of these vessels will be welcome additions to our fleet and will greatly enhance the flexibility in our scheduling. In the current market this will be music to the ears of our clients, most of whom still value quality and professionalism provided as and when they need it.
André Goedée, Chief Commercial Officer
