VT Halter Marine Signs Contract to Build Catamaran Lift Barge for Olmsted Dam Project

PASCAGOULA, MS, June 21, 2005 – VT Halter Marine Inc., a subsidiary of Vision Technologies Systems Inc., today announced that it has signed a US $16.3m contract to build a catamaran lift barge for Washington Group International (WGI) and WGI’s joint venture partner, Alberici Group. The vessel will be fitted with special lift equipment that will be used to transport and place precast concrete segments in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Olmsted Dam construction project. .

VT Halter Marine will build two 200’ x 90’ x 15’ units that will be assembled to form the catamaran lift barge. The vessel’s configuration will allow it to effectively assist in the Olmsted Dam construction efforts, which will take place near Olmsted, Illinois on the Ohio River.  Engineering and procurement will begin immediately and delivery is planned to occur in the 2H2006. The catamaran lift barge will be in service for approximately 6 years on this project.

Construction will be according to the 2003 ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Barges, with regard to structural hull design.  It will also comply with USCG Rules for navigation and stability.

The sponsor of ‘Island Home’, the late Kathryn A. Roessel, was represented by her former fiancé Mr. Nelson Smith who authenticated the keel plate in honor of her substantial contributions to the project.  He struck welding arcs and completed her name on the plate that will be incorporated into the ship during construction. 

 The Washington Group International / Alberici Group was awarded the $564m contract to build the Olmsted Dam during January 2004. Estimated completion of the project is 2012.

“The award of this contract is another fine example of VT Halter Marine’s ability to provide strong and reliable vessels tailored to the requirements of our customers.  Our diverse product line of ships, ranging from workhorses to technical wonders -- is the reason that VT Halter Marine vessels continue to hold the international spotlight.”

~Boyd E. King

CEO

VT Halter Marine

About VT Halter Marine

VT Halter Marine is the marine operations of Vision Technologies Systems (VTS).  Based in Pascagoula, MS, It is a leader in the design and construction of medium-sized ships in the United States. VT Halter Marine designs, builds and repairs a wide variety of ocean-going vessels such as patrol vessels, oil recovery vessels, oil cargo vessels, ferries, logistic support vessels and survey vessels.  Please visit http://www.vthaltermarine.com.

Vision Technology Systems (VTS) is a provider of integrated engineering solutions, specializing in the fields of aerospace, electronics, land systems, and marine. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA., VTS has locations throughout North America. VTS offers a broad range of proven innovative services to both the commercial and government sectors. VTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.

Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

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