Liang Xiaolei (right), chairman and chief executive officer of Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group, launches the delivery ceremony of the two SX130 offshore support vessels with his Norwegian partners at Sinopacific Zhejiang Shipyard in Ningbo Zhejiang province on Wednesday. (photo provided to www. chinadaily.com.cn)

SHANGHAI - Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group, one of China's leading privately-funded shipyards, completed the delivery of two offshore support vessels (OSV) to Norwegian Neptune Offshore AS at its Zhejiang Shipyard in Ningbo Zhejiang province on Thursday.

The two SX130 vessels, Neptune Despina and Neptune Larissa, are considered as the world's first fabricated OSV model used for the inspection, maintenance and repair of offshore facilities, said Liang Xiaolei, chairman and chief executive officer of Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group.

Sinopacific has delivered four fabricated high-end OSVs this year, marking its ability to manufacture deep-water OSVs and reinforcing its position as the world's leading manufacturer of top-quality OSVs, insiders said.

The SX 130 offshore support vessel, which will be used in offshore oil and gas exploration projects, can meet operational demands for the offshore industry by providing efficient solutions.

Two SX130 offshore support vessels call at the wharf, waiting to be delivered. [photo provided to www.chinadaily.com.cn]

"The vessel, which was designed by the world-renowned Norwegian designer Ulstein Design AS with its exclusive know-how, costs $70 million with 70 per cent of its key technologies and facilities imported from Norway and other countries," said Liang.

He said the new design is able to guarantee the vessel to have a steady navigation and operation in adverse offshore conditions and meanwhile, it will reduce fuel consumption.

Liang said the SX130 vessel following the strict European standards can complete inspections, repairs and installations of facilities at depth of 3,000 meters and even in the dire conditions of the North Sea.

Sinopacific's effort, a challenge to manufacturers of high-end OSV in Europe and North America, has made it become an important part of the world's OSV market.

"I am confident about the future prospects for the OSV market, although we are mostly taking OSV orders from the international market at present," he said.

The group has obtained new orders of 56 vessels this year, including 35 OSVs and 21 bulk carriers, which will be delivered by 2013. Its combined OSV orders including orders from the previous years amount to 84 which will be completed in 2014, he said.