SINOPACIFIC launches 2 newly built SPP17A
A launching ceremony was held by SINOPACIFIC Shipbuilding Group (SINOPACIFIC) at its Zhejiang Shipyard for 2 newly built PSV SPP17A during May 6th and 7th, 2015, the company said in its press release.
These PSV vessels are the first two of a series of 3 vessels contracted by Naviera Petrolera Integral S.A. de C.V. (Naviera Petrolera Integral). Mr. JUAN PABLO VEGA ARRIAGA, President of the company and his team were present at the launching ceremony. The President commented on the smooth progress of this new-building project and stressed: “Thanks to the great efforts by everyone involved in this project, we are indeed confident with the technological advantages and construction quality of the vessels. We are looking forward to the days when these new vessels will be in service with PEMEX. We believe that this project will not only create jobs but also build a bridge of friendship for the economic communications between Mexico and China.”
The 3 SPP17As ordered will be used by PEMEX, Mexico’s largest petroleum company, for the development of its oil and gas projects. SPP17A is a specially customized version of the SPP17 design and has been altered to meet the specific requirements of the end-user. This contract marks the first Mexican order for SINOPACIFIC’s own “SP” brand offshore support vessel (OSV). It is worth mentioning that by entering into the Mexican market, well known for its strong oil and gas production, SINOPACIFIC has the perfect opportunity to demonstrate further to potential customers the advantages of its products and further enhance its brand and reputation.
Designed by Shanghai Design Associates (SDA), a branch of SINOPACIFIC specializing in OSV design, SPP17A has a deadweight of more than 1,700mt and uses an all-electric propulsion system, which is quite rare in conventional PSVs of this type. Moreover, with two sets of thrusters installed on the stern, the main dimensions for the bow and hull lines have been optimized, therefore enabling a larger deadweight and better fuel economies. Thanks to Chinese domestic ship design and the localized technical support from the major system suppliers, the SPP17A project is the example of the way to achieve the perfect balance between controlling construction costs and ensuring technical advantages. It is said that it takes a decade to grind a sword. Over a period of more than 10 years since SDA’s creation, a mature concept design platform has been formed, where innovative ideas have been nurtured and today, SDA is well-prepared to provide all-round technical solutions to the industry.