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July 21, 1997
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

MSL lands another contract

Marystown Shipyard Limited has secured a second contract with HAM Marine Inc. of Pascagoula, Mississippi, for the fabrication of lower hull pontoons and vertical stability columns for the Noble drilling rig "Jim Thompson", which will operate in the Gulf of Mexico.

The contract, worth $10 million (Cdn.), is identical to the work currently in fabrication for the Noble rig "Paul Romano", which started in June 1997 and will be delivered in two shipments in September and October 1997.

Judy Foote, Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, said that HAM Marine's commitment for a second contract is proof of the quality and productivity being achieved by the MSL workforce. She said: "This contract demonstrates that the shipyard's capabilities are second to none. I am extremely pleased with the way management, staff and the unions continue to work together to deliver positive results."

Ms. Foote said that the two contracts for HAM Marine and the recent award of the two firefighting/escort tugs for Newfoundland Transshipment Terminal Limited will see both fabrication facilities occupied with a significant level of continuity through until the end of the first quarter of 1998. She said: "With activities proceeding on the mid-life refit of the CFAV "Quest" and significant contracts secured for the Hibernia Management Development Company (HMDC), the future for the shipyard and residents of the Burin Peninsula looks promising indeed."

She added that the Cowhead facility was also completing repairs and outfitting work to the Ballast Nedam Crane Barge "Buzzard" this week. The unit, which was badly damaged after going aground off Port Aux Basques in April has undergone extensive repairs, requiring approximately 30,000 person hours to prepare it for commencement of marine facilities installation at the Newfoundland Transshipment Terminal.

There are presently 720 workers employed in various disciplines at Marystown Shipyard Limited and an expected 700 jobs to be maintained throughout the summer.

Contact: John Doody, Director of Communications, (709) 729-0050.