November 1 - Breda, the Netherlands based Dockwise subsidiary Fairstar Heavy Transport has commissioned a new USD150million Type 1 vessel to be named White Marlin. With delivery scheduled in the fourth quarter 2014, the newbuild's capacity and capabilitie

On acquiring Fairstar Heavy Transport in July 2012, Dockwise said the status of the construction work on a third newbuild vessel - following delivery of its Forte and Finesse heavy lift ships - had provided it with an opportunity to reconsider the optimal configuration for the new combined fleet.

Dockwise added that following discussions with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), the original contract for a Type 2 vessel (to be named Fathom) has been renegotiated and a new commission placed for a Type 1 vessel.

The decision means that Dockwise will not face the six-month withdrawal from service of its existing Type 2 vessel Black Marlin to convert it to a Type 1 vessel. Such a conversion, at an estimated cost of USD60 million, would have removed one of the company's most commercially versatile ships from serviceduring a peak period of activity.

Andre Goedee, ceo of Dockwise, said: "The acquisition of Fairstar has allowed us to optimise the operational capacity of the top end of our fleet. We shall also realise a considerable saving on our existing upgrade plans and keep at sea another important vessel during a busy period."

In other news, Dockwise helda christening ceremony yesterday (October 31, 2012) forits new semi-submersible heavy Type 2 transport vessel Finesse at LongXue Shipbuilding in China. Delivery of the vessel, which is 216 m long by 43 m wide, and capable of transporting cargo up to 50,000 tonnes, is scheduled for the end of November 2012.

www.dockwise.com

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