July 29 was the day of naming and delivery ceremonies for S457, 12,000tdw multi-purpose cargo boat. It is the third sister we built for Swiss-based SCL, after SCL BERN and SCL THUN as we reported already.

Representing the owner and 10 guests from Switzerland, Mrs. Christel Inauen, the better half of Mr. Inauen, company's technical director, named S457 as SAFMARINE BASILEA" and gracefully cut the ribbon that had symbolically attached the vessel to her home yard. The newly named heavy-lifter sailed out her mother harbor around noon.

By the way, besides from owner and port authorities, we received 30 very young special guests : we invited primary school children and parents living in the neighborhood. The boys and girls looked so excited to visit, probably for the first time in their life, a big new ship made of steel, full of high-tech and low-tech equipments, cranes, engines, pumps, switches, monitors and indicators... The hottest spot was bridge room as you guess!

The children also attended at the ceremonies to be just stunned by all what they saw and heard. The big sound of ship whistle and gun salute, movement of champagne cord and decorative banner, and confetti shower... We hope those moments will become precious summertime memories for them to recall one day.

We, together with our small guests, thank SCL people for their kind understanding, and would like to wish a successful future to SAFMARINE BASILEA.

[2005/08/08]