Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract (7th March 2008) to supply Integrated Monitoring and Control Systems for five new 13,000 Dwt Product/Chemical carriers being built for Greek owner IASON Hellenic Shipping Co. Ltd at the Vinashin Group owned Pha Rung Shipyard in Hai Phong City, east of the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.
Machinery control and cargo management
The Kongsberg Maritime integrated monitoring and control concept chosen by Vinashin Group against strong competition includes an integrated solution for machinery control and cargo management. The concept relies on a distributed and open system design, which employs a fully backed-up system-wide standardized communication network. The communication network integrates the K-Chief machinery control and K-Gauge level gauging & cargo control, into a complete solution that enables safe and efficient operations. In addition, with common hardware components utilized, both increased reliability and competitive life-cycle is rendered. The system also features ballast and service tank sensors and deck instrumentation.
The integrated solution is based on the Kongsberg Maritime Full Picture approach, that has proven robust and reliable, as well as an efficient tool for safe and efficient operations.
The Kongsberg Maritime Integrated Monitoring and Control System includes the sophisticated K-Gauge system with radar tank gauges for accurate cargo tank gauging. The system also features ballast and service tank sensors and deck instrumentation, as well as the K-Chief Automation system, which offers control of all cargo and ballast valves.
"We are committed to building high quality, world class vessels for export from our yards in Vietnam and our co-operation with world class suppliers will help us to achieve this aim," said Mr. Nguyen Quoc Anh, Chief Business Officer (CBO) of the Vinashin Group. "We are very satisfied to have completed the contract and are looking forward to a positive relationship with Kongsberg Maritime."
Vietnamese shipbuilding
Vietnamese shipbuilding has experienced growth in recent years and a strong local industry is starting to become a major contender in the worldwide shipbuilding market. Vinashin Group and its subsidiary Vinashin Electric's strategy of partnering with established suppliers such as Kongsberg Maritime and the abundance of skilled people and advanced techniques at the company’s yards will make Vietnam’s goal of becoming a major prominent shipbuilding nation a real possibility.
"We are delighted to take this first step with the Vietnamese shipbuilding sector as it continues its drive to become a major exporter," comments Mr. Lasse Brynsrud, Sales Manager (Merchant Marine, Asia), Kongsberg Maritime. "We have for many years focused a great deal of energy in the Far East and are able to serve the various markets with local offices and directly from our headquarters in Norway. With such a strong worldwide and local network, we are looking forward to helping Vinashin make Vietnam a major player in world shipbuilding."