October 13, 1999
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Minister pleased with Friede Goldman Newfoundland announcement

Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra Kelly said that she is pleased with the letter of commitment Friede Goldman Newfoundland has received from R&B Falcon for an upcoming contract, which was announced yesterday.

"I would like to congratulate the company on securing this commitment for work on the Henry Goodrich. Friede Goldman Newfoundland is fortunate to have a competent and highly skilled workforce that is capable of doing exceptional work, and this gives the yard an opportunity to prove that once again," said Minister Kelly.

The work will be for equipment modifications to the Henry Goodrich, the semisubmersible drilling unit which will carry out production well drilling at the Terra Nova oil field beginning in early 2000. The Glomar Grand Banks is currently carrying out drilling operations in advance of the Henry Goodrich's arrival next year. The contract is expected to employ approximately 200 people for about five weeks, and work at the Cow Head fabrication facility will be getting underway when the Henry Goodrich arrives in mid-November.

"The international shipyard and fabrication industry is highly competitive, and Friede Goldman Newfoundland has proven that it is capable of competing on a global scale. This upcoming contract will be for work in our growing oil and gas sector, and I am extremely pleased that it will be going to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," Minister Kelly added.

Media contact: Jackie Simon, Director of Communications, (709) 729-0050

1999 10 13 10:15 a.m.