Moss Maritime charts new seas in technology
Oslo-based Moss Maritime, a specialist in ocean-going natural gas carriers, has gained a reputation in the global shipping industry for combining Norway's ancient maritime traditions with cutting-edge modern technologies.
For more than 40 years Moss Maritime has built special-purpose vessels and platforms for the offshore industry, experience it says gives it an edge over rivals in an ever-changing business environment.
With its technology licensed worldwide, the company has set standards in the construction of gas carriers. Today, Moss Maritime's liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers account for nearly half of the world's total.
It was the sole supplier of technology for the world's first and only floating platform to launch rockets into space. The partnership between the United States, Russia, Ukraine and Norway can launch up to six tons into space from the company's vessel.
The latest innovation from Moss Maritime is the Moss 808-ICE, an anchor-handling tug supply vessel with ice-breaking capabilities. Designed for Russia, the icebreaker is also a breakthrough product, the company says, with 20 units now under construction.
Amid increasing competition for construction of China's first LNG carriers in 2006, Moss Maritime offered prospective Chinese partners an impeccable track record and expertise in designing offshore platforms, vessels and gas carriers, says President Per Herbert Kristensen.
"Gas, platform and offshore services are areas where we see a long-term possibility for Chinese shipyards and energy companies to use our technologies," says Kristensen.
Moss has also licensed technology to Dalian New Shipbuilding Heavy Industries and Jiangyan Shipyard, with plans to enter into additional licensing agreements.
"As a product-oriented company, we need shipyards that are interested in offering our products to the customer. As China is increasing up its shipbuilding capacity, leading-edge products and technology are in need. That's what we can provide to our Chinese partners and customers," says Kristensen.
www.mossww.com
(China Daily 04/14/2008 page29)
