(From fifth left) Lu Kiong, Suk Kiong and other guests pose for a group photo in front of the keel.
MIRI (Oct 1): DESB Marine Services Sdn Bhd, under Dayang Group, has commissioned its ninth vessel from Shin Yang Shipyard.
The vessel officially launched into construction with a keel-laying ceremony at Shin Yang Shipyard in Kuala Baram here yesterday.
According to DESB executive deputy chairman Datuk James Ling Suk Kiong, the vessel represented a significant investment in the company’s marine capabilities and its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the offshore industry.
“The keel is regarded as the foundation of a vessel—the backbone upon which the ship takes shape. For us, today’s (Sept 30) keel laying carries a similar meaning.
“It stands as a powerful symbol of confidence in the project, our people and the enduring relationship between Dayang and Shin Yang,” he said in his speech.
Suk Kiong said the vessel, measuring 91 metres in length and designed to accommodate more than 200 personnel, would be equipped with a high-capacity offshore crane and built to meet the required statutory, classification and quality standards.
Suk Kiong (fifth left) places his hand on a button to mark the launching of the Keel Laying Ceremony.
He stressed that safety, quality and timely delivery must remain priorities throughout construction.
“Our shared target is straightforward: to have this vessel completed, fully tested, commissioned, accepted and delivered by February 2028,” he said, adding that earlier delivery would be welcomed provided it did not compromise workmanship, specifications or safety.
Meanwhile, Shin Yang Group executive vice chairman Datuk James Ling Lu Kiong said the latest project marked the ninth vessel constructed by the shipyard for the Dayang Group since their collaboration began in 2005.
He said the first vessel was the 75-metre Dayang Pertama, delivered in 2005, followed by six workboats and two landing craft over the past two decades.
“Each vessel represents not only a project successfully completed, but a testament to the strong relationship built together over the years,” Lu Kiong said.
The new vessel will be the largest workboat in the Dayang Group’s current fleet standard and will be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), with accommodation for up to 238 personnel.
It will also feature a 60-tonne lattice boom-type offshore pedestal crane with a 22-metre boom radius and a four-point mooring system, and comply with the requirements of the Special Purpose Ships (SPS) Code.
Lu Kiong said overall construction progress currently stood at 10.3 per cent, with hull construction at 4.64 per cent and procurement at 49 per cent.
He said 97 personnel were involved in the project as of Sept 25, while installation of the main machinery was scheduled as the next major milestone in May 2027.
* Credit news article from：https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/10/01/desb-marine-services-orders-ninth-vessel-from-shin-yang/