Head of Tulcea Shipyard: 2009 is critical, but we are happy we have orders

Shipyard STX RO Offshore Tulcea (formerly Aker Tulcea), controlled by South-Korean group STX Shipbuilding, has budgeted a 4.8% higher turnover this year against 2008 – 147 million euros. The company’s turnover saw an increase last year, as well, by 11.2%, to 140.3 million euros (516.3 million RON). “In 2008 we sold 14 ships, and are planning to sell another 14 this year, but heavier ones. We also have 9 orders for 2010, but not enough to cover our entire capacity. For 2009 and 2010 we have our full production capacity covered. Moreover, for certain periods, we need around 1,000 additional subcontractors,” says Tudorel Popa, general manager of STX RO, who came to the helm of the shipyard at the beginning of this year. The change in the company’s management occurred after STX Europe, a part of South-Korean group STX, took over ailing Norwegian shipbuilder Aker Yards in mid-2008. The Tulcea shipyard recorded losses last year, due to the rising prices for raw materials and to the high labour costs, after two years of profit.