KUALA LUMPUR: Perdana Petroleum Bhd has entered into contracts with Aulong Shipbuilding Co Ltd, China, for the construction of two anchor handling tug and supply (AHTS) vessels for about US$34mil (RM135.88mil).
In a statement, the group said the construction of the vessels, with a bollard pull capacity of about 60 tonnes each, will be funded via internal funds and bank borrowings.
The vessels are expected to be delivered in stages in the third and fourth quarters of FY28 and are intended primarily for deployment within the domestic and regional oil and gas markets.
Managing director Jamalludin Obeng said the construction of the AHTS vessels is an important milestone in the group's fleet renewal programme, with the last vessel newbuild exercise undertaken in 2012.
"Against the backdrop of improved market conditions, we believe this is the right time to modernise and progressively rejuvenate our fleet, ensuring that the group remains well-positioned to support future operational requirements, enhance competitiveness and sustain long-term business growth.”
On outlook, he said the offshore support vessel market continues to show encouraging recovery momentum, supported by sustained upstream activities, improved industry fundamentals, stable utilisation levels and firmer charter rates across selected vessel categories.