Rolls-Royce increases marine business in China

Rolls-Royce Chief Executive John Rose said today (26 October 2001) that Rolls-Royce - the global leader in marine power systems - has been increasing its marine business in China by more than 20 per cent annually over recent years.

Friday, 26 October 2001

Mr. Rose was speaking in Shanghai, which plays a key role in China's growing importance as a shipbuilding nation, and where Rolls-Royce has an office serving the country's marine market.

"China's shipbuilding industry - for vessels for both domestic and foreign owners - is growing and has tremendous potential, "said Mr. Rose. "In addition, Shanghai is becoming a centre for financial and industrial activity."

The Rolls-Royce office in Shanghai is responsible for the company's marine activity in China, including gas turbines, diesel engines, propellers, water jets, rudders steering gear and deck machinery, and total care for our customers.

Rolls-Royce aims to be a key partner with the Chinese shipbuilding industry and ship owners. Rolls-Royce has supplied many different marine products to shipyards in Shanghai. The first train ferry for Hainan Island is equipped with a Rolls-Royce propulsion system.

Recently, China Offshore Oil Corporation ordered seven supply vessels for which Rolls-Royce is supplying a range of marine equipment for five of them. This year the US-based Tidewater company placed orders for five high performance anchor handling tug supply vessels at Yantai Raffles Shipyard, for which Rolls-Royce will deliver anchor handling winches, bulk handling systems and steering gears for which the total business is worth more than US$40 million.