February 23 - TBS International plc has taken delivery of the M/V Comanche Maiden - the fifth in a series of six multipurpose tweendecker newbuilds ordered by the company.
Bringing the TBS fleet to 51, the vessel has box-shaped holds, open hatches and fully retractable hydraulic tweendecks. It is geared with 35 and 40 ton cranes, combinable up to 80 tons, and has a modern fuel-efficient engine enabling the vessel to operate effectively at 15 knots.
TBS ordered the "Roymar Class" vessels from China Communications Construction Company Ltd./Nantong Yahua Shipbuilding Group Co., Ltd. at a cost of USD35.4 million each.
Joseph E. Royce, chairman, chief executive officer and president of the shipping line, said TBS expects to take delivery of the remaining vessel in the second quarter of 2011.
- A special supplement on multipurpose and heavy lift ships and shipping lines will be published alongside the May/ June edition of Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding International. For more information on the advertising and editorial opportunities available, email Ian@heavyliftpfi.com
