The number of newbuildings being built in Singapore has increased and is today at a higher level than for the past decade. At the year-end, the number of DNV newbuildings in progress will most probably be close to 30.
Singapore cannot compete with China, Japan or Korea. They are in a different league. But Singapore is focusing on niche products in the market – either smaller or bigger vessels. The common denominator is higher value vessels whose hulls are built outside Singapore and whose outfitting is completed in Singapore.
One of these, the world’s largest single pedestal 5,000-tonne heavy lift crane vessel, was recently signed to DNV class. The hull will be built in China, while the vessel will be outfitted in Singapore. Dyvi offshore will be the owner of this giant when completed mid 2010.
Before that - in 2008-2010, 24 more vessels to DNV class will be delivered from Singapore and Batam. (Batam is just 20 miles across the Singapore Straits in Indonesia.)
The giant crane vessel is an example of the really big vessels to be built in Singapore, but the majority of the other newbuildings are smaller high-value vessels for the offshore industry – for example anchor handling tugs, supply vessels and standby vessels.
But Singapore is off course the crossroads where East meets West and is thus better positioned for ship repairs than most of its competitors. Based on the increased trade and higher number of ships in operation, Singapore will be well positioned for docking and repair work in the future.
“For DNV Maritime in Singapore it is not an either or question when it comes to ships in operation or newbuildings, it is a yes both answer. Even if the increased newbuilding activity is a peak based on the global boom, it is an interesting peak, containing advanced and specialised vessels, that is a challenge for everyone,” says Ragnar Hansen, regional manager DNV Maritime South East Asia and Australia.