SapuraCrest inks a $227m order to build a pair of pipe-layers at a Chinese shipyard.

The Malaysian owner’s TL Offshore (TLO) subsidiary has penned the order at COSCO Nantong Shipyard, according to an exchange filing.

SapuraCrest says the first unit will cost $116.8m while the second will carry a price tag of $110.3m.

The company expects the offshore construction vessels to hit the water within two years in a deal backed by bank borrowings.

“The acquisition will enable TLO to capitalise on the positive outlook in the installation of pipelines and facilities segment in the oil and gas industry,” it told investors Thursday.