[TradeWinds- 14 July 2006 by Geoff Garfield]

Clipper in bulk fanfare at Tsuiji...

A Japanese shipbuilder has landed a 12 strong order for its new China offshot.

A Japanese company that has broken onto the Chinese shipbuilding scen with a yard in Jiangsu province has landed its first major
contract, a 12-strong bulker order from Clipper Group. 

Tsuji Heavy Industries and Bahamas-based Clipper have signed a deal for a series of 30,000-dwt Trader-type double-hull ships, together estimated to be costing around $300m. It is the biggest single order ever placed by Clipper and takes to around 28 the total of handysize Trader newbuildings ordered or being negotiated at yards in the Far East. 

The concept for the American Bureau of Shipping-classed Trader type was developed by Algoship Designers of Nassau, the Bahamas, with detailed design by Mastek heavy Industries of Korea.

Initial talks leading to the Tsuji order involved Clippers' long-term partner, GTR Campbell Marine Consultants of the Bahamas, which will assist in supervising the newbuildings.

Clipper has already taked delivery of its first Trader vessel from Cochin. Halsted sayd it is performing well.