FBM Aboitiz gets new ship order

Friday, November 28, 2003

Rederij Doeksen, a leading Dutch ferry operator, has ordered a 64-meter vehicle and passage catamaran from FBM Aboitiz Babcock Marine.

Paul Melles, managing director of Rederij Doeksen said: "We had the vessel designed to our requirements by Sea Transport Solutions of Queensland, Australia, and which then allowed us the flexibility to select the best builder. After visiting a number of yards and viewing their work we are very pleased to place this order with FBMA Babcock Marine. The yard has exhibited an excellent quality of workmanship and, coupled with a competitive price, we expect to gain a first class vessel to add to our fleet.”

John Warbey, managing director of FBM Babcock Marine, said "This contract is another important milestone in the development of the FBMA Babcock Marine shipyard in Cebu, Philippines. Coming so soon after the order for a 47metre Ro-Pax and the completion of three 27metre aluminum patrol craft for the UK, it demonstrates the excellent capability of the yard."

The catamaran will have a steel hull and aluminum superstructure and incorporate a drive-through vehicle deck with bow and stern access for easy vehicular handling and rapid turnaround in port. It can accommodate up to 1300 passengers, and has a VIP lounge, tourist class saloons, a separate bar area, and a large open sun deck. It also features a separate play area for children.

FBM General Manager Doug Border said that the contract was won against strong competition from other international shipyards and is a clear statement of FBMA Babcock Marine's quality and the excellent reputation it is building in the market.

The catamaran will be the largest vessel constructed at the FBM Aboitiz Babcock Marine shipyard in Cebu with delivery expected in November 2004.

FBMA Babcock Marine is a joint venture between FBM Babcock Marine of the UK and the Aboitiz Group of the Philippines. The shipyard opened in Arpili, Cebu in 1997 and has delivered high-speed ferries and patrol boats to a variety of international customers.