The 26 million Euro (approx USD 34.2 millon) shipbuilding contract for the construction of a new gas carrier, signed in Turkey by the end of 2011, has been officially authorized. Construction of the 9,000 cbm ethylene carrier will commence in the Asian part of Istanbul at Besiktas Shipyard of Yalova Bay, in April and the delivery will be taken by January 2013.
Galata Gas Shipping, a joint venture made by equal 33.3% partners Besiktas, Gas & Heat of Leghorn and Orion Shipping of Istanbul, is the owner while the design and engineering will be provided by MES Marine Engineering Services srl of Trieste, owned by Giorgio Lavalle.
Besiktas is in charge of the hull construction and engine supply, whereas the gas plant already made by Gas & Heat will be taken over from Cantiere Navale Pesaro.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, February 15, 2012; Image: MES