NEWS
New developments in the Shipbuilding industry
BAE Systems wins STX France launches production facilities dedicated to marine renewables contract for Royal Navy has secured the financing required to launch the 1st batch of production units due to Offshore Patrol Vessels STXenterFrance in service in 2015. Considering the company order book on its ship markets for five years ahead, and the related intense activity of its shipbuilding workshops, it has been decided to create new production facilities especially dedicated to renewables and offshore wind activities. “The investment is a decisive step to develop the company’s activity on new markets. It demonstrates STX France’s ambition to become a reference industrial player in the marine renewables industry and confidence in the long-term development of this market in Europe. Developing engineering and manufacturing activities together is one of the key factors of our success,” declared Laurent Castaing, STX France managing director. Visit: www.stxfrance.com
Two more Ulstein design PSVs for Vroon
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OSCO (Guang Dong) Shipyard Co. Ltd is going to build a further two platform supply vessels of the ULSTEIN PX121 design for Vroon Offshore Services, the Netherlands. Ulstein has entered into an agreement with COSCO on delivering ship design, power & control equipment and on-site follow-up services.The first of six vessels in this series, VOS Pace, was launched on 30 June. “The PX121 design is becoming increasingly attractive to oil companies as it offers a competitive combination of fuel-efficiency and cargo capacities/deadweight,” comments Sigurd Viseth, managing director of Ulstein Design & Solutions. “This
translates to a performance level that is usually expected from larger PSVs, but at a medium-sized PSV cost – delivering excellent value-for-money for the owner and operator. We’re delighted that Vroon sees the compelling benefits of this vessel.” Visit: www.ulstein.com
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AE Systems has been awarded a £348 million contract by the UK Ministry of Defence to construct three new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the UK Royal Navy. The new 90-metre vessels will be built at the BAE Systems facilities in Glasgow and will provide additional capability for the Royal Navy. Based on a proven design, the ships will be used to support counterterrorism, counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the waters around the UK and will protect other UK interests abroad. Mick Ord, managing director at BAE Systems Naval Ships, said: “This is a significant contract award which marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the UK shipbuilding sector. We’re making major investments in our people, technology and facilities to create a world-class complex warship capability and the OPVs provide an opportunity to embed these new ways of working. This will ensure we remain competitive and are best placed to secure the Type 26 manufacturing contract, which together with the investments will sustain the long-term future of this highly skilled industry.” Visit: www.baesystems.com
DCNS completes the integration of the new optronics systems for French frigates
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Babcock commences design work for Type 26 AWHS
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abcock has begun work on the first phase of the contract to design and supply the Air Weapons Handling System (AWHS) for the UK’s new Type 26 Global Combat Ship (GCS) announced recently by BAE Systems. Under the full contract Babcock will design, manufacture, test and oversee the
12 Industry Europe
CNS has completed the integration of the SYMFIR multifunction infrared systems upgrading the optronics of the French Navy surveillance frigates Ventôse and Germinal based at Martinique and Nivôse and Floréal based at Réunion Island. The purpose of the programme, contracted to DCNS in 2011 by the DGA (French defence procurement agency), is to replace the NAJIR fire control systems of the 100mm main guns of
the Floréal-class frigates with SAGEM EOMS-NG optronic fire control systems. Providing self-defence capability against symmetrical or asymmetrical air and surface threats, the EOMS NG multifunction optronics system brings together surveillance, long-range panoramic infrared tracking and electro-optical fire control functions in a single equipment unit. Visit: www.dcnsgroup.com
installation of the AWHS system on the 13 ships planned in the UK Type 26 GCS programme, as well as providing long-term support functions to ensure through life system performance and availability. The AWHS will have the capability to handle and stow all air weapons safely in a flexible stowage arrangement. The system is modular with interchangeable stow-
ages between weapon types for maximum stowage density and flexibility. The AWHS includes a handling system to facilitate the positive control and transfer of munitions from their stowages to designated weapon preparation areas prior to their transfer onto aircraft or into torpedo launch systems, where fitted. Visit: www.babcockinternational.com
