AUGUST 28, 2013 — Rolls-Royce announced today that the largest capacity Syncrolift ship lift to be built in Vietnam is now officially open for service. The Syncrolift has been installed as a key element of a major new shipbuilding and ship repair development at New Song Thu shipyard and is the eighth to be installed in Vietnam.

Current production at Song Thu includes this Vietnam Marine Police vessel

The new ship lift is the third Syncrolift installation in Vietnam's Danang area. The first was built in 1968 and is still operating efficiently. The second was installed in 2004 by Song Thu. The hoists from the existing system were reinstalled in the new and larger Syncrolift, demonstrating the flexibility offered by the modular system.

The Rolls-Royce designed and supplied Syncrolift, has a docking platform 98 m long and a width of 20 m. It has a maximum net lifting capacity of more than 4,500 t.

Andrew Smith, Director of the Syncrolift business unit in Rolls-Royce said: "We are proud to support New Song Thu as they advance their shipbuilding capabilities to a new level. We look forward to helping them make this new venture a success."

The Song Thu Company got started as a military ship repair base. Though still controlled by Vitenam's Ministry of Defense, it has evolved to undertake both ship repair and newbuilding, with commercial as well as defense clients and with a product line that includes Damen ASD tugs and fast supply vessels.

Colonel Ha Son Hai, Chairman of the Song Thu Company, said: "New Song Thu is the most technologically advanced shipyard in Vietnam today. We needed a state of the art shiplift with a proven track record for reliable, predictable and safe operation. Based on our 30 plus years experience in using Syncrolift the choice was a simple one, and it satisfied all of our requirements. This latest addition will enable us to provide the flexible and efficient docking services that meet the needs of our growing customer base in the region."