Netherlands-based maritime services company, SMIT, has awarded Australian shipbuilder Strategic Marine the contract to build three aluminium hulled boats for use in its Middle East operations.

Strategic Marine chairman, Mark Newbold, described the sale of the 22.1m crew/pilot boats as an important progression in its goal of becoming a global shipbuilder.

“This is a major strategic step forward and builds on the delivery of three 31 metre wellhead maintenance vessels to European client Svitzer,” said Mr Newbold.

“The contract is a positive step forward for the development of Strategic Marine’s brand and reputation in Europe and the UAE’s offshore industry where both the Svitzer’s and SMIT’s vessels will operate.

The crew/pilot boats will carry up to 30 passengers and 38sqm of cargo space. All three vessels will be built at the company’s Tuas shipyard in Singapore.

Each will be powered by twin 1205 BHP Detroit MTU 10V2000M72 engines with a top speed of 26kts. All three ships are scheduled for delivery between August and November next year.

The latest signings follow the company’s recent US$23.6million joint-venture contract for the construction of two 52m crew boats for Mexican-based Bluewater Marine, along with a 143m steel hulled dive support vessel for Singapore company, Marfield Ltd Inc.

Strategic also recently announced a contract to build three 31 metre offshore utility boats for Indonesian company PT Baruna Raya Logistics. The company’s order book now stands at more than 132 vessels worth more than US$204.8 million.

Since it was established in 1984 Strategic Marine has built more than 320 vessels for domestic and export markets. The company’s boats have been purchased by private companies and governments in South East Asia, North America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

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