Aker Solutions establishes factory in South Korea and signs prestigious deck machinery contract

Aker Solutions has set up a new manufacturing facility in South Korea for the production of Pusnes deck machinery™. Aker Solutions has among several major contracts signed a contract for the delivery of Pusnes deck machinery™ for the prestigious “Pieter Schelte”-project, the world’s largest platform installation, decommissioning and pipe-lay vessel.

The total order intake of Pusnes deck machinery™ from these contracts is approximately NOK 200 million.

Aker Solutions has set up a new manufacturing facility outside Busan, South Korea for the production of Pusnes deck machinery™. The facility is tailor-made for deck machinery production and the unit has already secured experienced staff and management resources. A significant order backlog is secured, and the first delivery is planned in March 2011. The establishment of the new factory is an important step in maintaining the strong market position in South Korea.

“We are making strategic moves to secure our position as one the world’s leading suppliers of deck machinery. We are investing in our organisation and product development, in order to ensure competitiveness, and improve operational safety,” says Leif Haukom, president of Aker Solutions’ deck machinery business.

The “Pieter Schelte” contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) includes all deck machinery (anchor, mooring and special winches). All winches are of electric frequency control type. Due to the size and complexity of the vessel, the number and size of equipment are unusually large. The vessels will be 382 metres long and 117 metres wide.

“We are proud that DSME has chosen Pusnes deck machinery™ for this project,” says Mr Haukom. “Based on our long experience with large size winch systems, we are confident that the delivery will meet the clients’ expectations.”

Aker Solutions has also signed contracts with major South Korean yards for the supply of Pusnes deck machinery™ for Kamzarmax bulk carriers and several large size (Aframax, Suezmax, Shuttle and VLCC) tankers. Aker Solutions has also signed contracts with major Chinese yards for the supply of Pusnes deck machinery™ for VLCCs, Suezmax tankers and bulk carriers.

The contract party for Aker Solutions is Aker Pusnes AS.