New LNG Shiprepair Yard Enters the Scene

zoom A new ship repair yard has been launched earlier this month by Japanese shipbuilders Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Co., Ltd (KHI). The shipyard MES-KHI Yura Dockyard will specializing in LNG ship repair, as MES and Kawasaki endeavor to tap into the growing potential of the uptake in North American shale gas transport which is in turn expected to spur LNG ship maintenance demand. Market forecast indicated that the number of LNG carriers could reach around 700 units by 2030, adding 300 more to the global LNG carrier fleet. The joint venture is MES 60 pct-owned by MES and 40 pct-owned by KHI. Under the contract, announced in December 2014, KHI plans to continue commercial ship repair business of Kobe Works and transfer the business of Sakaide Works to MES-KHI Yura Dockyard. The yard will initially employ 190 people. World Maritime News Staff; Image: MES