More conversions for Cammell Laird

Yard News - January 15, 2001

Ailing British ship repair company Cammell Laird may be experiencing contractual difficulties with its most high profile conversion, Costa Crociere's cruise ship Costa Classica, but continues to win high value conversion projects from other sources.

Among recent conversion contracts won by the group are Coflexip Stena Offshore's dynamically positioned offshore diving support ship CSO Constructor, and the helicopter support ship, RFA Argus.

Cammell Laird's facility on Tyneside in the UK has secured a significant conversion project for the vessel CSO Constructor, which entails converting the vessel to undertake deep water flexible and rigid pipe laying activities and support deep water subsea installations.

The contract for the CSO Constructor will secure work at the Tyneside yard until April 2001. The scope of work includes the addition of more than 2,000 tonnes of new steel, the majority of which is in a new 15m section to be added to the ship. Two new deck cranes, and a hydraulically driven internal pipe carousel will be fitted, along with a significant upgrade of the vessel's systems, including the installation three new 1,360kw generators.

A dynamically controlled Intering anti-heeling system will ensure safe operation of the 300 tonne crane the yard will install. An integral part of work is a life extension programme, which will prepare the vessel for its new role, including shot blastingand painting of all the ballast tanks.

The Argus was due to arrive on Tyneside in January, for a major upgrade and dry-docking, and is due to depart in May. The award of the contract follows the successful refit of the RFA Fort Rosalie last year.