Alcoa Defense awarded JHSV subcontract

“We are excited to be working with Austal on this groundbreaking fleet,” said David Dobson, president, Alcoa Defense. “Through our design and engineering expertise, we are helping to expedite the manufacturing process for the fleet while simultaneously making aluminum shipbuilding more affordable.”

Designed to secure cargo, equipment and vehicles in the JHSV’s mission bay, the all-aluminum tie downs are 50 percent lighter than conventional steel tie downs. The tie downs will be manufactured from high-strength aluminum by Alcoa’s facility in Auburn, Ind.

Collaboratively developed by Alcoa and Austal USA, the all-aluminum tie downs were designed to replace traditional steel tie downs, which require a more expensive, complex, labor-intensive process for joining and installation. The aluminum tie downs offer the same structural strength and performance as steel at a fraction of the weight and installed cost. Additionally, the aluminum tie downs enhance the long-term durability and structural integrity of the JHSV because, unlike steel, they will not produce galvanic corrosion when attached to the JHSV’s aluminum deck.

“We are now applying decades of experience in creating subassemblies for a variety of industries to build innovative, high-quality marine structures,” said Scott R. Kerns, vice president and general manager, Alcoa Transportation Products. “Alcoa makes it easier and more affordable for shipyards to integrate aluminum structures in their vessels.”

The announcement of the tie down subcontract follows Alcoa being awarded the subcontract for sheet and plate for the JHSV.

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Cruising: New Ships and New Thinking

Now there are signs that new players are eyeing the market.

One is Trondheim, Norway, entrepreneur Olav Norum. He is putting together a venture called Project Vision Quest that intends to target the U.S. market for conferences at sea with three 273 m long, 70,000 gt , 1,200 passenger ships developed in cooperation with Aker Finnyards Technology. The price tag of each ship would be around Euros 390 million (about $510 million). Plans are for the first ship to be delivered in 2007.

Facilities aboard each ship would include conference seating for 1,300 people, with some 3,500 square meter of convertible exhibition/conference space.

So if Norum builds these ships, will people come? Vision Quest only needs to capture a tiny percentage of the U.S. conference market in order to fill the ships. In the past the issue of U.S. tax deductibility of conference expenses aboard foreign ships has been one argument used in favor of building U.S.-flag cruise ships. Norum says he is aware of the issue, but that the much lower cost of staging an event on board an internationally flagged vessel would more than offset the tax savings in question.
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Tidewater to raise $425 million in private note placement

Closings are contemplated October 15, 2010 and December 30, 2010, when the company expects to issue a multiple series of notes totaling $310 million and $115 million, respectively. The notes will have maturities ranging from 5 years to 12 years and have a weighted average life to maturity of approximately 9 years. The notes may be retired before their respective scheduled maturity dates subject only to a make-whole provision. The weighted average coupon on the notes is 4.25 percent.

Dean Taylor, Tidewater’s Chief Executive Officer, noted “Tidewater’s ability to access the credit and capital markets on very favorable terms reflects the company’s strong financial position. In recent quarters, the company’s focus has shifted from fleet renewal and earnings replacement to longer-term growth initiatives. Competitive financing arrangements allow us to opportunistically acquire and/or build vessels that address changing customer requirements and to best position our company for a future market recovery.”

Proceeds from the note sales will be used to refinance borrowings under Tidewater’s $450 million revolving credit facility, which remains available until May 2012, to fund capital expenditures related to the Company’s on-going fleet enhancement program and for general corporate purposes.

The notes will be sold in a private placement to purchasers that are accredited investors and are restricted securities that may not be resold by such purchasers except pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws.

Damen Vinashin Shipyard starts construction

Mr. Nguyen Duy Hung, Vice Operations Director of Song Cam Shipyard signed, together with Mr. Erik van der Noordaa, Chief Operations Officer of the Damen Shipyards Group in The Netherlands.

Song Cam Shipyard has been allocated by Vinashin to act as the local partner in the construction and operation of the new shipyard which is a joint venture between Vinashin and Damen.

Completion of the first phase of the project is planned for February 2012. In the first phase the shipyard will concentrate on the outfitting, under cover, of hulls built by Song Cam Shipyard. Capacity is approximately twelve vessels per year, all current orders are for export.

Facilities in the first phase include a 2500 ton capacity Syncrolift, an 80 m x 40 m outfitting hall and workshops and offices.

In the second phase of the five year plan, capacity will be increased to a maximum 30 tugs, workboats and high speed craft per year with a dedicated 160 m x 150 m outfitting . Sufficient room is available on the 42 hectare site for the construction of hulls as well as for sub-contractors and suppliers in the final phase of the five year plan.

Trico Marine files for Chapter 11 protection

According to a document filed with the court, the companies have total debts estimated at $353.6 million and assets of $30.56 million. The largest single unsecured creditor is Joseph S. Compofelice with a claim in relation to an employment agreement of $2.4 million, which is categorized as “contingent, unliquidated, disputed and subject to set off.”

Mr. Compofelice was replaced as the company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer on May 29.

You can access court documents and other general information about the Chapter 11 cases HERE

Aside from the Cayman Islands holding company, Trico’s foreign subsidiaries were not included in the filing and will not be subject to the requirements of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Trico says that its U.S. and worldwide operations are expected to continue without interruption during the restructuring process.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard A. Bachmann commented, “Over the last several months, we have worked diligently to improve our liquidity, including through the sale of $3 million of non-core assets, the sale of a North Sea class vessel for $16 million and additional cost-cutting initiatives. While we are beginning to see indications of improved operational performance, the combination of a sluggish economy, a highly leveraged balance sheet and imminent interest payments due, has led us to determine that a court-supervised restructuring is the best course of action for the company and its stakeholders. While we are continuing discussions with our lenders, the Board decided to begin this process now in order to get the company’s restructuring underway without delay. We intend to move through this process as quickly as possible. Throughout the restructuring process, we will remain focused on operating our business worldwide while continuing our efforts to manage costs, strengthen our balance sheet and gain financial flexibility in order to position Trico as a strong and profitable competitor in our industry.”

In conjunction with the filing, Trico has received a commitment for up to $35 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from Tennenbaum DIP Opportunity Fund and other funds managed by Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC, of which $10 million will represent incremental liquidity. The company says it “expects that, upon court approval and satisfaction of other customary conditions, the DIP financing, combined with cash from the company’s ongoing operations, will provide funding to support the business. In addition, the company anticipates that it will meet its obligations going forward to its employees, customers and suppliers.”

Separately, the company announced that Trico Shipping AS and its affiliates have reached an agreement in principle for $22 million in senior secured multi-draw term loan financing from certain holders of its 11 7/8% Senior Secured Notes (the “Trico Shipping Notes”) representing approximately 80% of the Trico Shipping Notes and from Tennenbaum. The closing of this financing arrangement is subject to obtaining required consents, as well as certain other closing conditions of Trico Shipping AS and its affiliates. This financing would be used to fund operating expenses and other working capital needs.

“We look forward to working together with all of our stakeholders to complete a successful financial restructuring,” said Mr. Bachmann. “Our global operations are expected to continue without interruption throughout the restructuring process, and we remain committed to providing our customers with high quality service. We appreciate the ongoing dedication of all our employees, whose hard work is critical to our success and the future of the company.”

Trico will file a series of motions with the court to ensure the continuation of normal operations, including requesting court approval to continue paying employee wages and salaries and providing employee benefits without interruption and to continue use of its bank accounts and insurance policies. The company expects the court to approve these requests. The company says that during the Chapter 11 process, suppliers will be paid in full for all goods and services provided after the filing date as required by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and Trico has taken steps to ensure continued supply of goods and services to its customers.

Trico Marine files for Chapter 11 protection

According to a document filed with the court, the companies have total debts estimated at $353.6 million and assets of $30.56 million. The largest single unsecured creditor is Joseph S. Compofelice with a claim in relation to an employment agreement of $2.4 million, which is categorized as “contingent, unliquidated, disputed and subject to set off.”

Mr. Compofelice was replaced as the company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer on May 29.

You can access court documents and other general information about the Chapter 11 cases HERE

Aside from the Cayman Islands holding company, Trico’s foreign subsidiaries were not included in the filing and will not be subject to the requirements of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Trico says that its U.S. and worldwide operations are expected to continue without interruption during the restructuring process.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard A. Bachmann commented, “Over the last several months, we have worked diligently to improve our liquidity, including through the sale of $3 million of non-core assets, the sale of a North Sea class vessel for $16 million and additional cost-cutting initiatives. While we are beginning to see indications of improved operational performance, the combination of a sluggish economy, a highly leveraged balance sheet and imminent interest payments due, has led us to determine that a court-supervised restructuring is the best course of action for the company and its stakeholders. While we are continuing discussions with our lenders, the Board decided to begin this process now in order to get the company’s restructuring underway without delay. We intend to move through this process as quickly as possible. Throughout the restructuring process, we will remain focused on operating our business worldwide while continuing our efforts to manage costs, strengthen our balance sheet and gain financial flexibility in order to position Trico as a strong and profitable competitor in our industry.”

In conjunction with the filing, Trico has received a commitment for up to $35 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from Tennenbaum DIP Opportunity Fund and other funds managed by Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC, of which $10 million will represent incremental liquidity. The company says it “expects that, upon court approval and satisfaction of other customary conditions, the DIP financing, combined with cash from the company’s ongoing operations, will provide funding to support the business. In addition, the company anticipates that it will meet its obligations going forward to its employees, customers and suppliers.”

Separately, the company announced that Trico Shipping AS and its affiliates have reached an agreement in principle for $22 million in senior secured multi-draw term loan financing from certain holders of its 11 7/8% Senior Secured Notes (the “Trico Shipping Notes”) representing approximately 80% of the Trico Shipping Notes and from Tennenbaum. The closing of this financing arrangement is subject to obtaining required consents, as well as certain other closing conditions of Trico Shipping AS and its affiliates. This financing would be used to fund operating expenses and other working capital needs.

“We look forward to working together with all of our stakeholders to complete a successful financial restructuring,” said Mr. Bachmann. “Our global operations are expected to continue without interruption throughout the restructuring process, and we remain committed to providing our customers with high quality service. We appreciate the ongoing dedication of all our employees, whose hard work is critical to our success and the future of the company.”

Trico will file a series of motions with the court to ensure the continuation of normal operations, including requesting court approval to continue paying employee wages and salaries and providing employee benefits without interruption and to continue use of its bank accounts and insurance policies. The company expects the court to approve these requests. The company says that during the Chapter 11 process, suppliers will be paid in full for all goods and services provided after the filing date as required by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and Trico has taken steps to ensure continued supply of goods and services to its customers.

Trico Marine files for Chapter 11 protection

According to a document filed with the court, the companies have total debts estimated at $353.6 million and assets of $30.56 million. The largest single unsecured creditor is Joseph S. Compofelice with a claim in relation to an employment agreement of $2.4 million, which is categorized as “contingent, unliquidated, disputed and subject to set off.”

Mr. Compofelice was replaced as the company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer on May 29.

You can access court documents and other general information about the Chapter 11 cases HERE

Aside from the Cayman Islands holding company, Trico’s foreign subsidiaries were not included in the filing and will not be subject to the requirements of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Trico says that its U.S. and worldwide operations are expected to continue without interruption during the restructuring process.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard A. Bachmann commented, “Over the last several months, we have worked diligently to improve our liquidity, including through the sale of $3 million of non-core assets, the sale of a North Sea class vessel for $16 million and additional cost-cutting initiatives. While we are beginning to see indications of improved operational performance, the combination of a sluggish economy, a highly leveraged balance sheet and imminent interest payments due, has led us to determine that a court-supervised restructuring is the best course of action for the company and its stakeholders. While we are continuing discussions with our lenders, the Board decided to begin this process now in order to get the company’s restructuring underway without delay. We intend to move through this process as quickly as possible. Throughout the restructuring process, we will remain focused on operating our business worldwide while continuing our efforts to manage costs, strengthen our balance sheet and gain financial flexibility in order to position Trico as a strong and profitable competitor in our industry.”

In conjunction with the filing, Trico has received a commitment for up to $35 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from Tennenbaum DIP Opportunity Fund and other funds managed by Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC, of which $10 million will represent incremental liquidity. The company says it “expects that, upon court approval and satisfaction of other customary conditions, the DIP financing, combined with cash from the company’s ongoing operations, will provide funding to support the business. In addition, the company anticipates that it will meet its obligations going forward to its employees, customers and suppliers.”

Separately, the company announced that Trico Shipping AS and its affiliates have reached an agreement in principle for $22 million in senior secured multi-draw term loan financing from certain holders of its 11 7/8% Senior Secured Notes (the “Trico Shipping Notes”) representing approximately 80% of the Trico Shipping Notes and from Tennenbaum. The closing of this financing arrangement is subject to obtaining required consents, as well as certain other closing conditions of Trico Shipping AS and its affiliates. This financing would be used to fund operating expenses and other working capital needs.

“We look forward to working together with all of our stakeholders to complete a successful financial restructuring,” said Mr. Bachmann. “Our global operations are expected to continue without interruption throughout the restructuring process, and we remain committed to providing our customers with high quality service. We appreciate the ongoing dedication of all our employees, whose hard work is critical to our success and the future of the company.”

Trico will file a series of motions with the court to ensure the continuation of normal operations, including requesting court approval to continue paying employee wages and salaries and providing employee benefits without interruption and to continue use of its bank accounts and insurance policies. The company expects the court to approve these requests. The company says that during the Chapter 11 process, suppliers will be paid in full for all goods and services provided after the filing date as required by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and Trico has taken steps to ensure continued supply of goods and services to its customers.