LUMUT, October 10, 2013 – The collaboration between Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad (BHIC) and UK-based Macduff Ship Design Ltd (Macduff) came to fruition today with the successful delivery of two 16-metre tugboats.
Designed by Macduff and built by BHIC at its Boustead Langkawi Shipyard, the tugboats were delivered to Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) in Lumut.
Built at a total cost of RM5.75m each, the general purpose tugboats have 20-tonne bollard pull and an operating range of 300 nautical miles, which enables them to provide harbour support services for the BNS basin, along with other support duties for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
BHIC entered into a design collaboration arrangement with Macduff in June 2011, and has recently renewed the contract for two more years. Macduff is a privately owned, high-reputable company with an internationally-recognised portfolio of designs for tugboats, work boats, ferries and other small- to medium-sized vessels.
As part of a strategic move by BHIC to enhance its technological capabilities and skills in smaller commercial vessels, the collaboration with Macduff plays a key role in strengthening BHIC’s position in the region as a specialist producer of these innovative craft, with modern technology and state of the art specifications.
David Berry, Executive Director of BHIC, said at the handover ceremony, “The design collaboration with Macduff has been a catalyst for the expansion of BHIC’s expertise in key areas. Given their wealth of design and technical expertise, especially in tugs and workboats, and their drive to excel, we have been able to forge close ties with Macduff. This has allowed BHIC to create a niche for the company by focusing on smaller commercial vessels that are in demand, with better margins which will contribute positively to our bottom line.”
“The two tugs delivered today are the first fruits of what we believe will be a long and mutually beneficial relationship. With our ongoing arrangement with Macduff, we can tap the growing market for these craft in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region, and offer design from an internationally renowned company and construction by a leading Malaysian shipbuilder.
Companies are interested in purchasing modern vessels with competitive pricing that are made in the region as it gives them good cost efficiencies. Access to the Macduff portfolio allows us to market a clearly defined product, and still provide flexibility for some refinement to meet individual customer needs.”
He added that such collaborations also enable BHIC to contribute to the further development of the local shipping industry with the enhancement of expertise and skills-sets that can benefit the country’s economy as a whole.
Datuk Ir. Yahya bin Hashim, Director of Operations, BNS, commented, “We are pleased with the innovative Macduff design and build quality of these tugs. They are particularly ideal for our harbour and allow for greater manoeuvrability of bigger vessels in a confined place. With the presence of these two tugs which are the first of their kind in this port, we expect to see an increase in our efficiency levels.”
According to BHIC, the company has submitted bids for the building of more such vessels to interested parties in Malaysia and in the region. It is also working with Macduff on developing designs for vessels to support the needs of the oil and gas sector.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar