Sembcorp Marine says subsidiary Sembawang Shipyard has secured major upgrading and repair contracts worth $110 million.

Sembawang Shipyard, the ship repairer of cruise ships in the Far East, was recently awarded two upgrading contracts for passenger/ferry ships.

The first contract involves an upgrading project from Interislander, a division of Kiwirail, New Zealand for the lengthening and dry-docking repairs of its Ro-Pax Ferry, Aratere.

Contracted for $32 million, the Aratere is expected in the shipyard in March 2011, whereby a new bow section and a newly fabricated 29.25-metre mid-body section will be fitted to the existing 150-metre ferry. Other major upgrading works include the outfitting and refurbishment of existing passenger areas on the two upper decks.

Upon completion of its upgrading and lengthening, the newly enhanced Aratere will continue to operate in New Zealand waters, offering the most modern and high-tech cruise experience across the Cook Strait, through some of New Zealand’s most impressive landscapes.

Another contract was recently awarded by Carnival Australia for the upgrading and refurbishment of its latest cruise ship, the Pacific Pearl. This is the second upgrading project for Carnival Australia, part of Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise-ship owner and operator, following the successful refurbishment of Pacific Jewel in November 2009.

The scope of work includes the repairs to life boats and tender boats, installation of four new tender boats/davits, fabrication and installation of a new teen centre at deck.

The Pacific Pearl is expected to arrive at the shipyard in November 2010 and following her three-week upgrade, she will make her way to Auckland for her official naming on December 21, 2010, prior to her maiden visit to Sydney to commence her first Australian season.