Havyard Group is keeping its Leirvik shipyard closed for longer after positive Covid-19 cases rose to 75 there.
The Norwegian company had called a temporary halt to operations on 2 October when the outbreak involved 17 workers, after 200 were tested.
Now the shipbuilder has said the New Havyard Ship Technology plant will be shut until 19 October.
"After the closure, the yard has worked closely with local health authorities to clarify the extent of the spreading of the virus, where 495 people have been tested," the Saevik family-owned company added.
"As of today, 75 people associated with the yard have been diagnosed with the infection."
To prevent further spreading and to gain control of the situation, Hyllestad municipality has decided on the longer closer.
"Such a decision may be extended until it is deemed safe to reopen the production," Havyard said.
The company expects a further delay to newbuilding deliveries.
The shipbuilder is constructing a platform supply vessel for Atlantic Towing, a car and passenger ferry for another Saevik company — Fjord1 — and three accommodation vessels for Esvagt.
The first of the floatels is due this month, according to Clarksons.
The group fully financed the remaining five ships in its orderbook in a deal with banks and shipowners in May.
The move came as subsidiary Havyard Ship Technology is undergoing bankruptcy proceedings after being unable to pay creditors.
Havyard Ship Technology's shipbuilding business has been transferred to the new subsidiary, New Havyard Ship Technology.
