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  • 2008 October 2

    Tallinn Shipyard anticipates Russian orders

    Valery Karkachev, Director of Tallinn Shipyard tells PortNews IAA about plans on modernization of the yard and on possible entry to Russian market.

     

    - What is the company’s backlog of orders like today? What are the plant’s key activities today?

    - The company’s backlog of orders comprises almost all types of vessels including tankers, general cargo and ro-ro carriers, refrigerated and passenger vessels, dredgers and icebreakers, fishing vessels and even yachts. As for the activities of our shipyard they cover mainly preventive repair and upgrading of all types of vessels with conversion projects accounting for 20-25% of total turnover. Last years we have been promoting repair of vessels outside the shipyard both at voyage and in ports. For that purpose a special company was set up: Voyage & Harbour Ship Service.

     

    - What is the program for modernization and technical upgrading of major facilities?

    - This year we have acquired equipment for cleaning with water of extreme pressure. Four new units are able to create pressure of up to 2,800 bar and ensure surface cleaning according to the highest WJ1 standard. Now we consider computerization of dock management and berth gasification. Apart from this, our facilities engaged in different activities of BLRT Grupp are being permanently upgraded. We have recently completed reconstruction of a foundry shop. Considerable investments were made into renovation of machinery working with large-size goods.

     

    - Does the company sign contracts for conversion of bunkering tankers into conventional vessels?

    - We have signed an number of contracts for conversion of bunkering tankers into vessels meeting the convention requirements. In particular, we have converted the Viimsitanker belonging to the largest Estonian bunker company NT Marine. The work budget totaled EUR 1.3 mln.

    Two more bunkering tankers Skorpion and Keila were converted for Estonian company AS Bominflot. Now the vessels have double sides and double bottom as well as upgraded cargo and drainage systems. Modernization of Skorpion cost EUR 845,000 while the repair amounted to EUR 650,000. As for Keila, modernization cost EUR 709,000, repair – EUR 265,000.

     

    -Is the shipyard capable of building new double-hulled tankers?

    - Yes, it is. Moreover, nowadays we develop a number of such projects in cooperation with Rolls-Royce and Deltamarine. The projects are to build 2,500-2,600 dwt multipurpose vessels to be easily adjusted for operation as bunkering tankers or carriers of wide range of oil products, vegetable oils or chemical cargoes.

     

    - Do you upgrade or build ecological vessels?

    - Our shipyard has successfully converted a hydrographic vessel EVA-316 owned by Estonian Maritime Administration to multipurpose icebreaking oil-combating vessel. Being under extensive rebuilding the vessel was lengthened with middle section insert as well as the new icebreaking bow and aft sections. In the new mid-body were arranged oil collecting tanks and compartments for unique oil spill equipment produced by world-wide expert Lamor Corporation AB. Machinery and propulsion systems were subjects of total reconstruction. Instead of conventional propulsion system vessel was equipped with pare of advanced Rolls-Royce azimuth thrusters driven by 2.1 MW water-cooled AC induction motors. Prime movers are controlled by active front-end frequency converters from Vacon & SES which allow to change propeller speed very smoothly in wide range from 0 to 240 rpm. Existing main engine was replaced with three new diesel-generators Caterpillar 1600 kW each. Vessel’s electric power station were modified completely also. New 690 Volt MSB was installed. Usage of modern advanced equipment allowed to reach very low THD in the vessel’s power net (1.5%).Power management and distribution is arranged with a help of the Lyngsø Universal Monitoring and Control System UCS 2100. For fire-fighting tasks the vessel was supplied with powerful pump and two foam monitors on the bridge. On the main deck was installed towing winch with bollard pull 200 kN. All vessels’ hydraulic equipment supported from the Parker power pack. High-capacity steam generator was fitted in the Engine Room to produce heating for oil collection tanks and equipment.

    In the way of conversion control of the vessel was modified completely. Absolutely new integrated navigation system consist of DP system, Oil Recovery system and some others, which allow now to keep control under the mother vessel and two side boats as well during oil combating operation, was installed on the bridge. As a result of extensive rebuilding the vessel is able now to be used in following purposes: icebreaker, oil-combating vessel, can be applied for fire-fighting and rescue tasks, buoy layer.

     

    - What are financial results of the shipyard in 2007 and 2006? What is the forecast for 2008?

    - Total sales of Tallinn Shipyard in ship repair segment amounted to EUR 22.5 mln in 2006  and to EUR 21.5 mln in 2007. This year we expect to reach EUR 25.9 mln, in 2009 – EUR - 28 mln. As for all shipyards of BLRT, they are forecasted to get EUR 73.8 mln in 2008. Our profit fluctuates within 10-11%. Total investments made EUR 17.4 mln in 2006.

     

    - Does the company count on Russian orders?

    - As of today, the share of Russian customers in our backlog of orders does not exceed 12-13%. However, we plan to raise itto 20-25%. Today our advantages are favorable location, wide range of services, qualified personnel certified and trained by well-known European firms, prompt implementation of work. We also should not neglect our links developed by a long cooperation which started in the period when our shipyard was within the competence of the SU Ministry of Fishing Industry being specialized in repair of large freezer trawlers.
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