The first five of seven new sister vessels have been delivered into Intermarine’s services to the Americas and Asia. The remaining two ships will be delivered within 2001. These multipurpose vessels are about 7,300 DWT each, with a 16-knot service speed and two 200 metric ton electro-hydraulic cranes (400-ton lifts). Built by Estaleiros Navais de Viana Do Castelo in Portugal, the ships ideally suit the type of heavy lift cargo that intermarine specializes in.

“The decision to increase the order was based on rising long-term prospects in the project cargo marketplace combined with the economies of scale associated with operating multiple vessels of the same class,” commented Roger Kavanagh, President of intermarine. “Our initial review of the ships during these first several months of operation indicates they work well for our particular activities.” “With a clear hatch opening of 71 meters, box shaped, adjustable decks, and a self-sustaining lift capacity of 400 tons, these vessels have excellent characteristics for project cargo handling,” continued Kavanagh. “They are rapidly becoming our new workhorse.”