June 11 - Dockwise has signed a memorandum of agreement with the China Offshore Oil Engineering Company (COOEC) to manage its 50,000 dwt newbuilding.

Similar in size to the Dockwise vessel, Black Marlin, the ship is scheduled to be delivered in February 2012. This agreement provides Dockwise with a great opportunity to continue to strengthen its growth in the offshore transport & installation markets.

A company statement said this agreement provides an excellent win-win situation for both Dockwise and COOEC, a major offshore company in the Asian market which operates one of the world's largest offshore engineering fleets including 22 diversified vessels.

Wang Mingyang, COOEC vice president: "The newly built 50,000 tonne heavy lift vessel is undoubtedly the most advanced in terms of its DP2 system and structure capacity. Cooperation with the best player in offshore heavy lifting industry could definitely provide COOEC with international opportunities and impressive exposure to clients all over the world. We are sure that during this process COOEC could learn from Dockwise the precious experience and technology on vessel operating and management. We sincerely hope more and more customers could benefit from our joint solutions."

Rob Strijland, Dockwise chief operations officer:"Through this agreement we have the opportunity to manage a unique vessel as part of our diverse fleet. We are glad that COOEC approached us with this opportunity and welcome this partnership of which Dockwise has high expectations. It is a great pleasure to work with the staff of COOEC. Together we are creating opportunities for long-term business success."