Shipping Corp mulls global tender float for six vessels

Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) today said it is planning to float a global tender of USD 160 million for six vessels by this month-end.

"SCI plans to float the tender containing two AHTS- offshore vessels (Anchor Handling Tug Supply), two product tanker and two bulk carriers," a senior director of the government-owned company said here.
       
However, the order might not be for new vessels only, there could be some second-hand vessels as well, he said, adding the total value of the order could be USD 160 million.

The present tender for two AHTS marks SCI's further interest in the offshore segment, which is growing at a rapid pace in the international as well as Indian context.

SCI's existing AHTS fleet has been dedicatedly serving the oil exploration and production sector in the country.

The state-run firm has recently upgraded these offshore vessels with dynamic positioning systems, enabling them to offer superior services to the oil industry.

Similarly, in tanker and dry bulk segments, SCI expects a revival and sensing that there could be an upsurge in demand, the company intends to take advantage of the current economic situation where vessel prices are less as compared to previous years.

SCI plans to acquire 38 vessels by end of the 11th Five Year Plan (March 31, 2012).