Oslo: Avance Gas has provided an update on the status of the VLGC Breeze and VLGC Monsoon, two Chinese newbuilds that have had to go for urgent repairs within weeks of being delivered. The president of the Oslo-listed gas operator has also told Splash of his aims to “sharpen up the delivery procedures” at Chinese yards.
The initial conclusion from Lloyd’s technical investigation department inspection of Breeze, delivered to Avance Gas on April 9 and drydocked in Singapore on April 24, is that its aft and forward stern tube bearings will have to be replaced. It is expected that Breeze will be refitted by mid-May and enter into service in the second half of this month.
The modifications on Monsoon are proceeding according to plan, Avance Gas also said in a release with the ship expected to be trading at the same time as the Breeze.
“Both Monsoon and Breeze are under guarantee from Jiangnan Shipyard Co. Ltd. Claims will be made under applicable guarantee provisions and insurances. Avance Gas’ fleet is not covered by any loss-of-hire insurance,” Avance Gas said in a release.
Avance Gas is in dialogue with Frontline 2012, Lloyd’s Register and Jiangnan Shipyard regarding the procedures for deliveries of further newbuilds contracted at the same yard.
Avance Gas’s president, Christian Andersen, told Splash: “We do not see that the incidents on Monsoon and Breeze say anything on ships built in China on a general matter. However, we are working to sharpen up the delivery procedures on the five remaining ships in the series of eight ships.”
