T&T SHIPBUILDER & REPAIR NEWS

ISSUE #028 JANUARY 2010.

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T&T SHIPBUILDING & REPAIR (S&R) CLUSTER

Diversifying our Economy, one Ship at a time... Hello S&R Stakeholders, A Happy New Year to all our readers. Shipbuilding and Repair Acquires Special Telephone Suffix We are pleased to have secured our own special telephone number 384-SHIP (7447) from the leading Caribbean telecommunications provider, Digicel (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited. T&T Shipbuilding and Repair 2009 Roundup - Number of active S&R Stakeholders on board: 27 - Number of Marine Engine Manufacturers / Representatives on board: 3 - Number of T&T based conglomerates on board: 4 - Number of Naval Architect / Marine Engineering Firms on board: 5 - Number of global maritime organizations on board: 6 - Number of S&R Articles published (print and internet): 17 - Participated at the Fifth Summit of the Americas (VSOA) on board theCaribbean Princess - Participated at the Commonwealth Business Forum on board the Serenade of the Seas - Mentored to some fifty (50) participants between the ages of 15 to 17 years at the 2nd Annual Maritime Mentorship Programme organized by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. - Shipbuilding and Repair Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (SRDC) established and interim Board of Directors appointed. - SRDC Business Account opened at First Citizens Bank (FCB) - Port of Spain. - SRDC participated in International Tender for the Design and Build of Two Harbour Tugs using international Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Robert Allan Ltd. - SRDC handled over 113 enquires related to ship repairs, shipbuilding and conversions, spare parts, shipyard / maritime investments. Local and International IMO Declares 2010: Year of the Seafarer The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has decided to dedicate this year by choosing the theme for World Maritime Day, "2010: Year of the Seafarer". To read full statement by the IMO Secretary-General E.E. Mitropoulos please read pages 21 and 22. Sincerely, T&T Shipbuilding and Repair Cluster.

Wilfred de Gannes. Deputy Leader. Page 2 of 34

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SVITZER APURE RENEWED @ MARITIME PRESERVATION (TRINIDAD)

LEFT TO RIGHT: Sham Parasram - General Manager of Svitzer Marine Trinidad & Tobago Ltd.
Michael Burke - Chairman of the Board, Maritime Preservation Ltd. Andre Persad - Svitzer Safety & Technical Manager review final dry docking procedures before the outhaul of the DAMEN Stan Tug 2608 SVITZER APURE (built 2002) at Maritime Preservation Limited at the Port of Port of Spain, Trinidad. LEFT: 2,000 dwt steel cradle with wooden blocks in position being winched slowly into the waters on rails at Maritime Preservation Ltd. (Trinidad Shipyard) before the planned outhaul of SVITZER APURE tug boat.

LEFT: Twin Screw 49.5T Bollard Pull Svitzer tug boat SVITZER APURE registered in Kingstown, St. Vincent powered by dual Caterpillar 3512 TA marine engines with a total of 3,552 Brake horse power (BHP) which are connected to two (2) four bladed bronze propellers in Kort nozzles. Photograph of the tug boat on the hard, with the Eric Williams Financial Tower, Port of Spain shown in background.

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LEFT: Hull blasting in progress, using Blastrite mineral slag abrasive on the SVITZER APURE Tug boat was built in 2002 at Zvezdochka Shipyard located in Severodvinsk Russia.
Work being done by Nadpat Corrosion Control, one of the primary blast and painting contractors available at Maritime Preservation Ltd.

RIGHT: Andre Persad Svitzer Safety & Technical Manager inspects an incoming pallet load of Hempel Hempadur Mastic 45889 GREY epoxy two-part primer to be used on the hull.

Svitzer Marine Trinidad & Tobago operates a fleet of 5 - 6 tugboats, providing services to Atlantic LNG and various other customers throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

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ABOVE CLOCKWISE: Blasting the starboard engine cooler; Blasting the starboard side of the SVITZER APURE hull; Blasting the portside of hull above the water line; Applying the first coat of the two-part Hempel Hempadur Mastic 45889 GREY epoxy primer by Nadpat Corrosion Control, using airless spray application equipment.

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ABOVE (L - R): Crew of SVITZER APURE Chief Engineer Emmanual Victor, Captain Alston Paul, Deck Hand Reynold Parawan with Andre Persad - Svitzer Safety and Technical Manager and Wilfred de Gannes - S&R Deputy Leader having a lunch break at the Breakfast Shed, located within walking distance of Maritime Preservation Ltd. (Trinidad Shipyard).

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ABOVE CLOCKWISE: Paint technician making adjustments to airless spray painting equipment; View showing port and starboard four bladed bronze propellers after application of Hempel anti-fouling paint; Another Port side view of rudder with Kort Nozzles; Starboard side Kort nozzle and rudder system on the SVITZER APURE.

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SPECIFICATIONS
Svitzer Apure Ex:Esbjerg 1 Continued on Page 8

LOA: 26m 09cm Beam: 7m 94cm IMO No. 9229491 Flag: Kingstown, SVG. Call Sign: YYV2928 DWT: 176 Tons Bollard Pull (BP): 49.5 T BHP: 3552 @ 1600 rpm Engines: CAT 3512 TA Speed: 12.7 Knots Gensets: CAT 3304B NA Genset Rating: 60 kVA Class: Lloyds Register Builder: Zvezdochka Country of Build: Russia Year Built: 2002

ABOVE: The nearly completed tug boat SVITZER APURE with her new Svitzer BLUE colour applied above the waterline.

RIGHT: The careful manual application of anti-fouling by the completion crew at Maritime Preservation Limited ensures the SVITZER APURE retains her waterline.

With a diverse fleet of more than 550 vessels operating in more than 35 countries, SVITZER is a leading provider of marine services supplying tailored solutions to clients all over the World, including Trinidad and Tobago. SVITZER is part of the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group of companies.

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SHIPBUILDING & REPAIR VISITS TOBAGO DURING CHOGM2009

TOBAGO is the smaller of the two main islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, northeast of the island of Trinidad and southeast of Grenada. The island lies outside the hurricane belt.
(L-R): Wilfred de Gannes, S&R Deputy Leader, S&R Special Guest Jean-Jacques Hermans of Active Communications International (UK) and S&R Stakeholder Yuhanna Yusuf - CEO of Heritage Designs and Developments Limited arrive safely in Tobago on November 30, 2009 on board a special Caribbean Airlines chartered flight (BW 3510Y) for a whole day tour courtesy the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT). LEFT: Police motorcycle escort.

ABOVE: Visiting delegation from Malaysia, included their Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Dato' Sri Anifah Hj. Aman meeting the Hon. Orville D. London, Chief Secretary and Secretary of Public Administration, Planning, Energy, State Lands and Information at the Kariwak Village Hotel at Crown Point, Tobago. LEFT: Tasty breakfast at the Kariwak Village.

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+1 (868) 384 - SHIP LEFT: Shipbuilding & Repair special guest Jean-Jacques Hermans of Active Communications International (UK) gets ready to board the glass bottom boat to the Nylon Pool and Buccoo Reef from Pigeon Point. Wilfred de Gannes, S&R Deputy Leader with two assigned Life Guards at Pigeon Point Beach on November 30, 2009.

ABOVE: Beautiful laid out landscaped gardens with water feature at Pigeon Point Beach. LEFT: Glass bottom boat on the way to Buccoo Reef, Tobago.

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CHOGM is an acronym for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. It is held every two (2) years and brings together Commonwealth leaders to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree upon collective policies and initiatives.
View through the glass bottom boat window showing the reef off Pigeon Point, Tobago.

TOBAGO
the Capital of Paradise

CLEAN.GREEN.SERENE
Looking below at the Buccoo Reef on board the glass bottom boat.

ABOVE: S&R Stakeholder, Marvin Tewari, Executive Director of ProTec Intelligence Services Limited keeps a watchful eye on the Malaysian Delegation while eating at Jemma's Seaview Restaurant, located at Speyside. Kitesurfing off Pigeon Point, Tobago. Visit the official CHOGM 2009 website at: www.chogm2009.org Page 11 of 34

T&T SHIPBUILDER & REPAIR NEWS

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+1 (868) 384 - SHIP LEFT: Entrance sign board at the Itsy bitsy Theatre located at Carnbee, Tobago.

View additional exclusive S&R photos on

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ttshipbuildingandrepair/

LEFT: Tobago choir and dancers performing at the itsy bitsy theatre.

ABOVE: Staff at the Coco Reef Hotel and Spa prepare colourful cocktails at the end of visit to Tobago, before the party boarded Caribbean Airlines flight BW3571 to Trinidad. Page 12 of 34

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CELEBRATES NAMING OF OASIS OF THE SEAS

Royal Caribbean International officially named its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on November 30, 2009 during an elaborate maritime celebration designed especially for the worlds largest and most revolutionary cruise ship. Putting a new twist on one of maritimes longest standing traditions, the global cruise line was honored to have not one, but seven celebrity godmothers Gloria Estefan, Daisy Fuentes, Shawn Johnson, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Michelle Kwan, Jane Seymour and Dara Torres preside over the festivities. The celebration took place throughout the seven signature neighborhoods onboard Oasis of the Seas, culminating with the traditional Champagne bottle breaking ceremony followed by a fireworks display in the AquaTheater, the ships dazzling oceanfront theater. Marking the finale of 10 days of preview sailings, the naming ceremony provided Royal Caribbean the opportunity to give back to the community, doubling as a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with lifethreatening medical conditions. Celebrities including NBA legend Michael Jordan, Corbin Bleu of High School Musical and Olympic gymnast, Oasis godmother Shawn Johnson and Dancing With the Stars professional dancer, Karina Smirnoff were in attendance, granting the wishes of several children that wanted to meet them. Royal Caribbean has enjoyed a long relationship with Make-A-Wish. Since 2000, the cruise line has hosted more than 1,300 children who wished to go on a cruise to destinations around the world and has contributed more than $2.8 million in in-kind services and $372,000 in discount savings through its Wishes at Sea program. Through employee and guest fundraising efforts, Royal Caribbean has also raised more than $480,000 and 460,000 frequent flier miles, used to secure airline tickets for childrens wish travel and help the MakeA-Wish Foundation conserve critical financial resources. The cruise line donated 1,000 staterooms

Godmother #7 Dara Grace Torres is the first swimmer from the United States of America to compete in five Olympics: 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000, and 2008.

As the ultimate expression of Royal Caribbeans legacy of imagination and innovation, Oasis of the Seas introduces unique industry firsts including a neighborhood concept seven main themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighborhoods Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool & Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone are extraordinary elements such as the first living park Continued on Page 16 Page 15 of 34

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at sea; a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium; an original handcrafted carousel; 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows; an amphitheater-style theater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and an array of epicurean innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guests cruise vacation. Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise lines new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

View OASIS OF THE SEAS NAMING CEREMONY click: http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/naming_ceremony.php ************************

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ROBERT ALLAN LIMITED

Serving the International Marine Community
Robert Allan Ltd. is Canadas oldest privately owned consulting Naval Architectural firm, established in Vancouver, B.C. in 1930. The company has earned an international reputation for innovative, successful designs for a wide range of ships and has been a leader in creating cost-efficient vessels for service in the marine transportation industry. Their experience includes designs for hundreds of vessels of almost all types, from small fishing boats to oceangoing ferries. The firm is best known for its work in the fields of tug and barge transportation, ship-assist and escort tugs, fast patrol craft, fireboats, ice-breakers, supply vessels and shallow-draft vessels. They provide independent professional marine consulting and design services to a worldwide client base, supported by the latest in computer-aided design and drafting technology. Robert Allan Ltd.s distinguished record of innovative and successful designs includes: Tug and Barge Transportation Systems Ship Assist and Escort Tugs Patrol Boats Ferries Fireboats Offshore Supply Vessels Icebreakers Shallow Draft Towboats Fisheries Patrol & Research Vessels Search and Rescue Vessels Navigation Aids Tenders Oceanographic Research Vessels Special Service Vessels History Robert Allan Ltd. is an independent, privately owned firm of Consulting Naval Architects, established in Vancouver. The business was founded in 1930 when Robert Allan commenced private practice as a Consulting Naval Architect after managing a local shipyard. He was responsible for numerous enduring designs produced for the growing British Columbia fishing fleet and for coastal ferry services, among others. The firms reputation was also enhanced by the design of such notable ocean-going motor yachts as Meander and Fifer.

Photograph of RAstar 3400 Svitzer Waterston

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In 1946, Robert F. Allan joined his father in the practice. The growing business was instrumental in the development of specialized tugs and barges for the burgeoning forestry and mining industries along the B.C. coast, and many unique craft for Canadas northland. Incorporated as Robert Allan Ltd. in 1962, the Company continued to grow and achieved international recognition for the high standards and performance of many unique and specialized designs. In 1973, Robert G. Allan joined the family tradition, and in 1981 succeeded his father as President, leading the company into a new generation of computerbased design technology, with a variety of distinctive designs for modern high-performance ship-assist and escort tugs, icebreakers, government service vessels, and high speed craft. Robert Allan Ltd. was a leader in introducing CAD technology into the ship design office in Canada. All design and drafting operations are now highly automated, based on experience in the medium dating back to 1983. The company has continued to grow and has established itself as an international leader in commercial small craft design. A staff of highly qualified Professional Engineers, Naval Architects, Marine Engineers, Technologists and designers handle a wide variety of projects for a client base located around the world. With such a strong family history, its no surprise that the 2008 restructuring of the company to a culture of employee ownership saw eleven of Robert Allan Ltds core group of senior employees becoming shareholders in the firm. With Robert G. Allan moving into the new role of Executive Chairman of the Board, he is still involved in the day to day operations and provides an advisory role to the new group of owners. The new shareholders in the company have been part of the Robert Allan Ltd. management team and have become increasingly well known to Robert Allan Ltd. clients and the industry as the company has expanded into a world-wide business. Assuming the position of President is Ken Harford, P. Eng., who has been a key figure in the company since 1988, most recently as Vice-President, Marine Engineering. Hans Muhlert, who has been responsible for many Robert Allan Ltd. designs and technical innovations since starting with Robert Allan Ltd. in 1972, has become the Director of Research and Development. ************************

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." - Harry S. Truman

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In 1946, Robert F. Allan joined his father in the practice. The growing business was instrumental in the development of specialized tugs and barges for the burgeoning forestry and mining industries along the B.C. coast, and many unique craft for Canadas northland. Incorporated as Robert Allan Ltd. in 1962, the Company continued to grow and achieved international recognition for the high standards and performance of many unique and specialized designs. In 1973, Robert G. Allan joined the family tradition, and in 1981 succeeded his father as President, leading the company into a new generation of computerbased design technology, with a variety of distinctive designs for modern high-performance ship-assist and escort tugs, icebreakers, government service vessels, and high speed craft. Robert Allan Ltd. was a leader in introducing CAD technology into the ship design office in Canada. All design and drafting operations are now highly automated, based on experience in the medium dating back to 1983. The company has continued to grow and has established itself as an international leader in commercial small craft design. A staff of highly qualified Professional Engineers, Naval Architects, Marine Engineers, Technologists and designers handle a wide variety of projects for a client base located around the world. With such a strong family history, its no surprise that the 2008 restructuring of the company to a culture of employee ownership saw eleven of Robert Allan Ltds core group of senior employees becoming shareholders in the firm. With Robert G. Allan moving into the new role of Executive Chairman of the Board, he is still involved in the day to day operations and provides an advisory role to the new group of owners. The new shareholders in the company have been part of the Robert Allan Ltd. management team and have become increasingly well known to Robert Allan Ltd. clients and the industry as the company has expanded into a world-wide business. Assuming the position of President is Ken Harford, P. Eng., who has been a key figure in the company since 1988, most recently as Vice-President, Marine Engineering. Hans Muhlert, who has been responsible for many Robert Allan Ltd. designs and technical innovations since starting with Robert Allan Ltd. in 1972, has become the Director of Research and Development. ************************

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." - Harry S. Truman

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IMO DECLARES 2010 AS YEAR OF THE SEAFARER

The International Maritime Organization has decided to dedicate this year by choosing, the theme for World Maritime Day, "2010: Year of the Seafarer". Our intention is to pay tribute to you, the world's 1.5 million seafarers - men and women from all over the globe - for the unique, and all too often over-looked, contribution you make to the wellbeing of all of us. We will do so with deep appreciation, in recognition of the extraordinary service you render every day of your professional life, frequently under dangerous circumstances, in delivering, to the more than 6.5 billion people of the world, the wheat that makes our daily bread, the gas and oil that warms our homes or moves our vehicles and the gifts we will share and enjoy with our families and friends over this Festive Season. At IMO, we are ever-conscious of the important role you play in helping us achieve safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans - the goals that we, as the United Nations specialized agency charged with the regulation of international shipping and as a member of the global maritime community, have set ourselves. And so, we will celebrate next year's World Maritime Day theme with much pride in your contribution to our objectives, to the facilitation of more than 90% of the world's trade, and to sustainable human development. In so doing, we also seek to reassure you, at the "sharp end" of the industry, that we, who are responsible for the international regulatory regime and who serve shipping from ashore, do understand the extreme pressures that you face and that, as a result, we approach our own tasks with a genuine sympathy for the work that you carry out.

Continued on Page 22

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At the same time, we will seek to add impetus to the "Go to Sea!" campaign, which we launched in November 2008 to attract new entrants to the shipping industry and, in particular, to encourage young people to follow in your footsteps by becoming the seafarers of tomorrow. We launched that campaign in association with the International Labour Organization, the "Round Table" of shipping industry organizations (International Chamber of Shipping, International Shipping Federation, BIMCO, International Association of Independent Tanker Owners and International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners) and the International Transport Workers' Federation, all of whom will be joining us in celebrating the Year of the Seafarer. Last, but mostly importantly, we want to convey to you a clear message that the entire shipping community understands and cares for you - as shown by the efforts we make to ensure that you are fairly treated when ships on which you serve become involved in accidents; are looked after when you are abandoned in ports; are not refused shore leave for security purposes; are protected when your work takes you into piracy-infested areas; and are not left unaided when you are in distress at sea. 1.5 million seafarers serving the daily needs of more then 6.5 billion citizens of the world! It is a fact that goes unnoticed or is taken for granted by most, but one that should be trumpeted loud and clear. For seafarers the world over deserve our respect, recognition and gratitude and, during 2010, we at IMO are resolved to ensure that the world does take notice of your exceptional role and contribution and of the special debt that all of us owe to you. We thank you for that! With best wishes for the Festive Season and the Year of the Seafarer - and a safe return home!

E.E. Mitropoulos Secretary-General

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS Maritime Partners to Expand Kingston Dry Dock - January 15, 2010
Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Limited and Maritime and Transport Services have partnered to expand the Kingston Dry Dock in Harbour View, St Andrew, with the use of a floating dry dock system. The existing dock can only lift small boats up to 150 tonnes. However, with the use of the floating dry dock system, large oceangoing vessels will be accommodated. Executive chairman of Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Limited, Charles Johnston, said the partners have been seeking approval to import the floating dock for some time and is confident that final approvals will be granted soon. "This expansion will no doubt improve the current facilities located at Harbour Head, but will also add to the attractiveness of Kingston as a cargo port," Johnston said. The floating dry dock system, he pointed out, will be similar to the one that has been operating at Freeport, Grand Bahama, since 2001. The facility in Grand Bahama, is the only such facility currently in operation in the northern Caribbean. The expansion of the dock at Harbour Head will represent an investment of US$14 million, for the floating dry dock and requisite infrastructure works (capital dredging and piers).

Russian PM Announces Major Shipbuilding Plan - January 5, 2010

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has recently announced a major US$5 million shipbuilding scheme in Vladivostok. Mr Putin said that the shipyard and its partners would be able to handle demand through to 2020. The shipyards plan to complete 100 icebreakers, freighters and rescue vessels, as well as 250 ships for domestic waterways, by 2015. Mr Putin also symbolically opened the 2,700km-long Eastern Siberia Pacific Ocean oil pipeline which will transport oil from Russia to Asia. During the ceremony, Mr Putin saw off the first 10,000-tonne shipment to Hong Kong.

India to Build Two New Shipyards - December 27, 2009

The Indian government plans to set up a new shipyard on the East Coast through the publicprivate partnership (PPP) model. The strategic partner from the private sector will be selected through a competitive bidding process, a senior official said. It is anticipated that when Hindustan Shipyard at Vizag is transferred to the Navy, the merchant shipbuilding capacity in the public sector will come down significantly. From the strategic view point, it is necessary to have a large shipyard on the East Coast in which the government has a significant stake, the official explained. The joint venture (JV) shipyard would require an investment of about Rs 4,000 crore, although the minute details are yet to be formulated in this regard, he said. The government is also looking for a site to set up the facility.

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US Govt Provide Boost for Gulf Coast Shipyards - December 30, 2009
Mississippi based VT Halter Marine and Lockport, Louisiana based Bollinger Shipyards announced major awards of government contracts in the last week giving both a boost to morale and their bottom line as a rocky 2009 comes to an end. The U.S. Navy announced an $87 million contract to build an enhanced version of the T-AGS 60 Class oceanographic survey ships, which were also built at VT Halter. The 353-foot long vessel will have a beam of 58 feet and an 18-foot draft. VT Halter CEO Bill Skinner said the shipbuilder is extremely pleased with this award and will allow the company to continue its long-standing history of building the class of oceanographic vessels for the Navy. Certainly the award is a welcome early Christmas present. VT Halter will start construction on the ship in about five months at its Moss Point, Miss. facility and expects delivery within 42 months. The all-steel ship will accommodate 67 persons and will include state-of-the-art sampling and data collection technology. Just down the bayou, Bollinger reported its award of a more than $142 million contract to build three additional Sentinel Class 154 foot patrol boats for the Coast Guard. The Sentinel Class cutters are replacing the 110 foot Island Class vessels Bollinger built in the 1980s. The design and construction contract for the lead ship went to Bollinger in September of 2008 and the entire program could be a boon for Bollinger and the south Louisiana shipbuilding community. Contract options state the Coast Guard could order up to 34 of the patrol vessels from Bollinger with a total value of $1.6 billion.

Designer Criminal: Korean Shipyard Worker Arrested - December 30, 2009

A former South Korean shipyard employee has been arrested amid accusations he attempted to steal vessel designs worth over US$100 million and hand them to rival Chinese yards. The 30-year-old lifted the blue-prints for 50 ships over 50,000 tonnes during an eighteen month period before passing them on to shipbuilders in China, South Korean authorities say. "He appears to have aimed at bargaining for a higher salary at another firm with the designs he stole," police said. Authorities value the designs at KRW 2.5 billion per ship, meaning KRW 120 billion (US$103 million) worth of designs were handed over to the Chinese firms, police claim. Investigators are looking into whether the designs were given to a Chinese yard where the man, named only as Kim, has recently started work. Police did not identify the South Korean yard from which the designs were allegedly stolen, but say it is based in Busan and ranks among the worlds 10 largest shipbuilders.

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DANISH STUDY FINDS SHIPBUILDING 15% CHEAPER IN BANGLADESH

The Danish Embassy recently completed a study titled Bangladesh Shipbuilding Sector: Challenges and Business Opportunities prior to a visit by a high profile Danish business delegation, mostly from their shipbuilding industry, to find out joint venture business opportunities in Bangladesh. The cost of building an ocean-going ship in Bangladesh is around 15 per cent less than in any other competitor countries, thanks to the cheap labour here, a study of the Danish Embassy said. Though the low labour costs cannot stand alone to lower the manufacturing costs, the study said the country might not compete with the countries like China, South Korea, India, Vietnam etc. already dominating the secondary chain-supply industry.

Average labour wage per hour in Bangladesh is around US$1.50

According to the Danish study, the existing average labour wage per hour in Bangladesh is around US$1.50, compared to $3.00 in a Chinese shipyard, $8.00 in South Korea, $16.00 in Italy and $18.00 in the US. Bangladesh can supply only 10 per cent of the components required for building an exportable ship, but its support to the domestic inland and coastal vessel manufacturing is around 40 per cent, most of which is believed to be coming from small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Continued on Page 26 Page 25 of 34

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Though the cost of labour in shipbuilding is typically around 20-30 per cent of the total ship manufacturing costs, the study says the value of the local items could easily be raised to 70 per cent. The productivity rate of Bangladesh is 1.0 with the estimated relative labour rate at 0.5 while the ratio stands at 1: 1.2 in India, 1:1.5 in China, and 6:4 in South Korea. The Danish Embassy prepared the study on Bangladesh Shipbuilding Sector: Challenges and Business Opportunities prior to the visit of a high profile Danish business delegation, mostly from their shipbuilding industry, to find out joint venture business opportunities in Bangladesh. The delegation met Bangladeshi businesspeople at a meeting, titled "Denmark-Bangladesh Match-making event. The study praised the contribution of the private sector to the sale of international oceangoing ships, which fetched half a million US dollars. It said four shipyard companies have already earned the full capacity of building ships of international standard. Of the 200 shipyards, the study put Ananda Shipyard, Western Marine, Khulna Shipyard, and Karnaphuly Shipyard in the A category. Besides, Highspeed Shipbuilding and Engineering, Dhaka Dockyard, Narayanganj Engineering, Dockyard and Engineering, Chittagong Dry Dock and Fishers Shipyard have all been placed in the B category, which means these will be ready for constructing oceangoing ships in a year or two. The study putting other shipyard companies in C and D categories said the country has the potential to develop 18 backward linkage industries, which include ship out-fittings, safety accessories, marine lighting, maritime signs, symbols and posters, piston rings, switch gear, furniture, marine cables, anchor and chain, electrical and electronic items, and shipbuilding steel plate. While inaugurating the event at a city hotel, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan made a clarion call to the investors to take into account the country's labour class and environment to make the investment fruitful. He also called upon them to find more and more investment avenues including dredging and said the government has already taken necessary steps to create an investment environment for creating job opportunities for the poor segment of the population. Danish Ambassador Einar H Jensen, who led the country's ship building sector revival by making international standard sea vessels, said Bangladesh's ocean going ships are now doing well. He said under the Business2Business programme, 70 Danish companies have joint ventures with Bangladesh, mostly in information and technology. **********************

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CARIBBEAN CRUISE SHIPS BRINGING AID TO HAITI

Royal Caribbean sends giants to assist after disaster Royal Caribbean Cruises, one of Haiti's largest foreign investors for almost 30 years, have announced its plans to provide at least $1 million in humanitarian relief to Haiti in response to the catastrophic earthquake in Port-Au-Prince. Royal Caribbean will be partnering with charitable organizations - such as Food for the Poor, Pan American Development Foundation, and the Solano Foundation, the company's foundation in Haiti - to provide additional assistance to the people of Haiti. Royal Caribbean will also be delivering much needed goods and supplies to Haiti via their cruise ships. "The effect of the earthquake on Haiti has been catastrophic, leaving the country in need of not only immediate support, but assistance in their long-term recovery," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "Royal Caribbean wants to do its part to help out not only the general response, but also our hundreds of Haitian employees and their families through this disaster." "In addition to our financial contribution, Royal Caribbean will continue to provide economic support through the continuous business we bring to Labadee," Fain added.

Royal Caribbeans Independence of the Seas arrived to Haiti on January 15, 2010.

Leslie Voltaire, Special Envoy of the government of Haiti to the United Nations said, "Given the terrible economic and social challenges we now face in Haiti, we welcome the continuation of the positive economic benefits that the cruise ship calls to Labadee contribute to our country." The benefits started with Royal Caribbean International's Independence of the Seas' call yesterday, Friday 15th January to Labadee, Haiti, which included much needed supplies for the country. Continued on Page 28 Page 27 of 34

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The supplies were loaded on the ship during its call in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and include items such as rice, dried beans, powdered milk, water and canned goods. In addition, 100 percent of the company's net revenue from the destination will be contributed to the relief effort. In the next two weeks, the following ships are scheduled to call on Labadee with additional supplies: Navigator of the Seas on Monday, January 18; Liberty of the Seas on Tuesday, January 19; and Celebrity Solstice on Friday, January 22. When the supplies arrive in Labadee, they will be transported to an offsite location to be distributed by Food for the Poor, a long time partner of Royal Caribbean in Haiti. In addition to working with Food for the Poor to distribute relief supplies, guests sailing onboard Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises will be able to make a donation to Food for the Poor's Haiti Relief Fund, via a charge to their onboard account. Guests who would like to contribute immediately can visit Food for the Poor website to make a donation. Royal Caribbean also plans to use a portion of the $1 million donation to augment the company's Crew Relief Fund, which can be drawn on by any of the company's more than 200 Haitian crew members for assistance, as well as to match employee contributions to the partner organizations. As the initial response effort gives way to the long-term recovery effort, Royal Caribbean will consider further support efforts. ************************

CONGRATULATIONS!
CAPTAIN NICOLE QUASHIE Shipbuilding and Repair LeaderSHIP sincerely congratulates Captain Nicole Quashie, Marine Manager - Designate of ASCO Trinidad Limited, one of our active S&R Stakeholder Companies in our maritime cluster. Captain Quashie graduated from The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) with a Master of Science (MSc) in Maritime Management. LEFT: Captain Nicole Quashie receiving congratulations from Professor George Maxwell Richards, T.C., CMT, PhD, Hon. LLD (UWI), Hon. D. Litt. (Sheffield), Hon. D. Univ. (Heriot-Watt), Chancellor of The University of Trinidad and Tobago and President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on January 16, 2010. ************************

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RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENGINE SALES CHANGES WITHIN THE MAN GROUP

The MAN Group is reassigning its engine sales activities: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge will transfer part of its business involving high-speed engines to the groups sister company, MAN Diesel. With effect from January 1, 2010, these activities will be integrated into MAN Diesel to form a Business Unit High Speed. The new Business Unit will offer diesel and gas engines in a performance range from 70 to 1,400 kW used in yachts, smaller working ships, locomotives and in decentralised energy supplies, for instance as emergency gensets. The MAN Diesel High Speed Business Unit will be based at the Nuremberg site, where engines will continue to be manufactured as previously by MAN Nutzfahrzeuge. High-speed engines fit into our product portfolio extremely well. On the one hand, were able to logically supplement our product range, while on the other were able to move into a new maritime segment that promises profitable growth for the future, says Dr. Stephan Timmermann, the MAN Diesel Executive Board member who will in future be responsible for the High Speed business. In 2008, sales stood at around Euro 217 million. MAN Diesel is looking to double that figure by 2015. However, the high-speed engines business is also being affected by the economic crisis, and MAN Diesel anticipates a drop in sales of around 30 per cent in this sector for 2009. The High Speed Business Unit will be based in Nuremberg and will be in charge of development, sales and service for high-speed engines. Production will remain the responsibility of MAN Nutzfahrzeuge with good reason, as Arnd Lttgen, the head of the new Business Unit, explains: Our colleagues in Nuremberg have decades of experience in the large-scale production of engines and can therefore manufacture them at very low cost. It would consequently make no sense to set up a separate production facility in Augsburg. We can also harness shared synergies, for instance in development or purchasing. Lttgen has until now been in charge of the Engines Business Unit of MAN Nutzfahrzeuge in Nuremberg and will move, along with some 100 staff from development and sales, to MAN Diesel. The business with trucks, buses, construction vehicles, agricultural machinery, rail coaches and specialist applications will continue to be with MAN Nutzfahrzeuge. This will ensure a clear assignment of responsibilities for the engines business within the MAN Group: while MAN Diesel will focus on all engines for maritime and stationary applications, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge will now focus on engines for the automotive sector. The MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Group Based in Munich, Germany, the MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Group is the largest company in the MAN Group and one of the leading international providers of efficient commercial vehicles and innovative transport solutions. In fiscal year 2008 the company, with some 36,000 employees, generated a turnover of 10.6 billion. ********************

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S&R COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING NEWSROOM

CHOGM 2009 Logo Rationale - YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW0uhOP2AO4 Queen Elizabeth II arrival to Trinidad - YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg01ytWRmek Opening Ceremony Cultural Presentation - YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c1ow-qxOjA Arrival of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Opening Ceremony - YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8x1ZywcmOg Climate Change Speech HM Queen Elizabeth II, Commonwealth Head - YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M-S8EV5Wkw Closing Remarks CHOGM 2009 (Part I) - YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kskgEhNeIOE Closing Remarks CHOGM 2009 (Part II) - YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M-S8EV5Wkw

S&R COMMONWEALTH BUSINESS FORUM NEWSROOM

Commonwealth Business Forum Photos - S&R http://www.flickr.com/photos/ttshipbuildingandrepair/sets/72157622940654256/ Dr Mohan Kaul speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the CBF 2009 - CBC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMpK3aivpvc Hon. Patrick Manning at the Opening Ceremony of the CBF 2009 (Part I) - CBC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eeSTf37Mek Hon. Patrick Manning at the Opening Ceremony of the CBF 2009 (Part II) - CBC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3wZxlzsP5o

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MARITIME INDUSTRY WEB LINKS

ALL PURPOSE DIESEL LIMITED - www.allpurposediesel.com/ BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS - www.bollingershipyards.com/ CANTREX ALUMINIUM - www.cantrexaluminium.com/ CATERPILLAR LOCAL DEALERSHIP - www.tracmac.com/ COMMONWEALTH BUSINESS FORUM - www.cbcglobal.org/ COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING - www.chogm2009.org/ COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE BROKERS - www.insurance.co.tt/ CONRADO BEACH RESORT LIMITED www.conradotobago.com/ ENGINE TECH COMPANY LIMITED - www.man-mec.com/ GAC-ALSTONS SHIPPING LIMITED - www.alstonsshipping.com/ INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO) - www.imo.org/ MAN NUTZFAHRZEUGE - www.mn.man.de/en/en.jsp MARITIME PRESERVATION LIMITED - www.maritimepreservation.net/home/ MINISTRY OF TOURISM - www.tourism.gov.tt/ MINISTRY OF TRADE & INDUSTRY - www.tradeind.gov.tt/ ROBERT ALLAN LTD. - www.ral.ca/ SVITZER - www.svitzer.com/ TOBAGO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY - www.tha.gov.tt/ T&T SHIPBUILDING & REPAIR CLUSTER - www.tts-r.com/ T&T SHIPBUILDING & REPAIR T&T SHIPBUILDING & REPAIR - www.flickr.com/photos/ttshipbuildingandrepair/sets/ - www.youtube.com/user/degstt

THE PHI GROUP - www.phigroup.net VT HALTER MARINE - www.vthaltermarine.com/

************************ Blue highlighted links indicate additional websites added in this months newsletter. Red highlighted links indicate Advertisers for the current issue.

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If you are a current e-newsletter subscriber, you can discontinue delivery of this newsletter by replying to the original e-mail and type "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Or, if you prefer, you can write to us at: T&T SHIPBUILDER AND REPAIR NEWS, c/o E-mail Unsubscribe, P.O. Box 2853, Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago. LEGAL DISCLAIMER This Trinidad and Tobago Shipbuilding and Repair News is provided as a service for information purposes only. The Trinidad and Tobago Shipbuilding and Repair News makes no representations or warranties regarding Trinidad and Tobago Shipbuilding and Repair News, or the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any information or advice it contains. Trinidad and Tobago Shipbuilding and Repair News assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in information or advice provided. WEBSITES The suggested websites are not under Trinidad and Tobago Shipbuilding and Repair News control, and Trinidad and Tobago Shipbuilding and Repair News does not assume any responsibility or liability for any communications or materials available at such linked sites. Trinidad and Tobago Shipbuilding and Repair News does not intend links to Web sites to be referrals or endorsements of the linked entities; they are provided for convenience only.

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Williams Wants More Diversification

In a presentation to members of the Employers Consultative Association at the launch of a business forum to mark their 50th anniversary on January 21, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain, the Central Bank Governor of Trinidad and Tobago Ewart Williams said that meaningful economic diversification should be the main policy of the country. He said incentives are also important in the diversification thrust of the economy of T&T, and it will give business, investors and corporate T&T the direction they need to diversify away from energy. To read TRINIDAD &TOBAGO GUARDIAN article click: http://guardian.co.tt/business/business/2010/01/25/williams-wants-more-diversity ************************

CONTACT INFORMATION
Mr. Wilfred de Gannes, Deputy Leader, T&T Shipbuilding and Repair Cluster, Post Office Box 2853, Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago. Tel: +1(868) 753-6057 Tel: +1(868) 384-SHIP(7447) Fax:+1(868) 662-6326 Email: degstt@hotmail.com Website: http://www.tts-r.com
Trinidad and Tobago Shipbuilder & Repair News is edited by T&T Shipbuilding and Repair Deputy Leader Wilfred de Gannes, and published monthly by the Shipbuilding and Repair Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited. This newsletter is available complimentary via email. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. Quotation(s) from the publication is allowable with appropriate credit.

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Optimising Technical & Operational Efficiency in the Current OSV Market

The 2 Offshore Support Vessels is giving a detailed insight into the latest changes in national, regional and international technology trends in the OSV industry. It will highlight the major developments in the North Sea and Brazilian deep waters. It will examine the latest innovation of technology and case studies from leading industry experts. This highly interactive forum, will include key issues to be addressed by Oil and Gas Majors, Senior Ship Owners and Managers, as well as solutions and services providers on the most cost-effective and efficient ways for continued success in a rapidly changing market.
nd

Why you cannot miss this event?

This event will have a unique focus on the technical and operational issues that are currently dominating the market. The downturn in the market and the increase in legislation has provided a unique set of challenges that now face the OSV industries key stakeholders. This premier event provides attendees a forum to share best practices, strategic and technological solutions with their peers. THE AGENDA Throughout the 2 days you will have the opportunity to hear from your industry peers and discover the hottest developments in the OSV Industry: Discover new technologies in the Offshore Support Industry Understand the implication of new environmental legislation Examine the future of the Industry Hear examples of implication of alternative LNG technology Consider the current shape of the Offshore Support Market Learn about key safety issues which dominate discussion Determine the effect current Rules and Regulations are having

Confirmed Speakers Include

Nick M. Kulukundis,
Senior Strategic Consultant, Great Offshore

Mark Allen Percy,

HSQE Manager, DOF Management AS

Trevor Blakely,
Chief Executive, Royal Institution of Naval Architects

AN INTERACTIVE 2 DAYS ACIs meetings offer the perfect opportunity to discover the latest updates and to discuss your own challenges and solutions with your peers through an interactive and informative 2 day programme. Hear from an outstanding line-up of the industrys leading technical experts Network informally with a relatively small, targeted group of senior-level stakeholders and decision-makers from the OSV industries Learn more about your peers strategies, network with key industry leaders and your industry colleagues Discuss the latest challenges and developments in this rapidly changing and growing sector of the industry Participate in roundtable sessions giving you the chance to discuss the latest issues with your colleagues and the speakers - in an open, informal and intimate setting

Morten Meinech,
Head of Marine Operations, Statoil

Richard Booth,
General Manager, Maersk Training Centre

Who will attend? All ACIs events attract a targeted group of senior level executives and decision-makers from industry. Our meetings are strictly end-user focussed. ACI is pleased to partner with a limited number of companies offering valuable solutions and expertise to ensure emphasis is on the industry participants, and making sure our delegates have a valuable and positive experience. Delegates job titles will include MDs, VPs, Operational Directors, Technical Directors and Business Development Managers of: Ship Owners, Ship Designers, Classification Societies, Oil and Gas Companies and Port Authorities.

And Many More

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES - MEET YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Companies can gain direct access to our senior level audience and have an increased level of visibility through branding and networking at the conference. For information on available sponsorship and commercial opportunities, please contact

Jean-Jacques Hermans Project Manager Tel: +44 207 981 2506 Email: jhermans@acieu.net