Onassis-controlled Springfield Shipping will convert two oil-bulk-ore (OBO) carriers to VLCCs at Oman Drydock Company (ODC), Oman.
The multi-million pound contracts will see ODC convert the recently bought 319,869 deadweight tonnage (DWT), 2010-built Selma B to the Olympic Lion and the 2009-built Camilla T to the Olympic Leopard. The ships will be converted from oil bulk ore (OBO) carriers to very large crude carriers (VLCCs).
The deal follows an identical job ODC completed for Springfield on the Olympic Luck (ex B Whale) that was successfully completed in January this year.
"The Olympic Luck was the first major conversion job we had undertaken and its success was a tremendous showcase for the world class workforce, skills and infrastructure that we have here at ODC," said ODC chairman Dr Abdulmalik Bin Abdullah Al Hinai. "Converting the Olympic Lion and Olympic Leopard will send a big message to the industry about ODC's capabilities, competitive advantages and ambitions for future growth."
He added that he anticipated that work would begin in June and will employ around 500 workers and would involve more than 6,000 tonnes of steel.
“As with the Olympic Luck, we expect to fabricate close to 40 blocks between 50 and 80 tonnes for each vessel. This will enable us to build in larger portions, reducing on time and cost,” added ODC chief executive Yong Duk Park.
ODC is managed and operated Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) of South Korea.