Avance’s Newbuilds Repaired

Norwegian owner and operator of very large gas carriers Avance Gas informed that both of its newbuilds, VLGCs Breeze and Monsoon, have completed their warranty repairs related to defective stern tube bearings, under supervision by Lloyd’s Technical Investigation Department.

Breeze left drydock at Jurong Shipyard, Singapore on 21 May 2015 and is currently undergoing final testing before commencing gassing up operations on May 28, 2015.

Monsoon left drydock at Zhoushan Shipyard, China on 24 May and will carry out sea trials before commencing gassing up operations on 6 June 2015.

“Both ships will be ready to load in the Middle East mid June 2015 and trade in the spot market,” the company said.

The VLGC Monsoon, delivered in January 2015, experienced technical irregularities during the vessel’s voyage from Balboa (Panama) to China whereas VLGC Breeze was sent for inspection purposes to rule out any potential irregularities.

The initial conclusion from Lloyd’s Technical Investigation Department inspection of Breeze, delivered to Avance Gas on 9 April 2015 and dry-docked in Singapore on 24 April 2015, said that the ship’s aft and forward stern tube bearings had to be replaced.