Portuguese shipyard eyes more orders from LPG/LNG markets

Portugal’s Naval Rocha shipyard is eyeing new work in the LPG product carrier and small-scale LNG markets following a busy first half year.

Naval Rocha commercial director Sergio Rodrigues said the yard located in the Lisbon Harbour on the north bank of the River Tagus has completed a wide variety of repair and conversion projects so far in 2019.

Contracts have involved livestock carriers, polar expedition vessels, car-ferries, tugboats, cargo-carriers, cruise ships and sailing vessels.

In line with future growth plans, Nava Rocha is also reporting growing numbers of LPG and product carrier projects.

“As we look ahead, Navalrocha is increasingly well placed to cater to the LPG product carrier and small-scale LNG markets,” said Rodrigues. “Earlier this year our long-term client Epic Ship Management booked in for its sixth drydocking in 36-months, with two further projects scheduled for 2019/ 2020.”

While the LPG market presents opportunities for growth the shipyard is further targeting the small-scale LNG market, notably bunker vessels compatible with its Dock 1.

“In order to stimulate greater LNG activity, Naval Rocha is also considering investment in cryogenic workshops as part of a broader site expansion plan,” Rodrigues said.

Looking to the second half of 2019, Rodrigues said the yard’s sights remain firmly fixed on key growth markets including LPG repair work.

The company is also planning to make further inroads into the LNG and chemical carrier markets, “which are now being built to smaller dimensions, making an ideal fit for our operation,” according to Rodrigues.