US shipyard secures car truck carrier contract

Singapore-based ST Engineering announced that its US shipyard, VT Halter Marine, has been awarded a shipbuilding contract worth about $144 million from Honolulu-based Pasha Hawaii (Pasha).

The ship, which will be plying the Hawaii and US West Coast trade, is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2013. Work on the newbuild commences immediately and, when completed, will allow the company to provide weekly service between the West Coast and Hawaii. VT Halter Marine also signed an option agreement for the construction of a second vessel, with some scope variation, for a base price of about $137 million.
The newbuilding will be the second roro car truck carrier built by VT Halter Marine for Pasha Hawaii based on a proven design by the Uljanik Shipyard in Croatia. The Uljanik and VT Halter Marine engineering teams are collaborating with Pasha to finalise the new ship’s design and engineering specifications to meet the highest level of operating efficiencies standard with reduced environmental impact.
The Jean Anne, Pasha’s first vessel, was awarded to VT Halter Marine in 2003 and put into service in March 2005. George Pasha, CEO Pasha Hawaii commented: “Building a second ship has always been part of our organisation’s plan. The level of enthusiasm and customer support we received when we deployed our first vessel was well beyond our expectations. Our second vessel will both better serve the Hawaii/Mainland market and also provide increased frequency and superior reliability. A weekly sailing will also allow us to present even more tailored transportation solutions to our clients.”