Page 29: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (January 2023)

SHIP REPAIR MIDDLE EAST vessel is now deployed in the transport complex is under way, with commis- And although the assets are destined for and installation of wind turbine foun- sioning of a ? oating panamax dock due hydrocarbon-related business, the ship- dations on the Changfang and Xidao any time now. This is a timely develop- yard’s managers have adopted a strong wind farm in Taiwan. ment: the yard’s CEO Dr Ibrahim Al- ‘green’ strategy.

A highlight of the shipyard’s sustain- Nadhairi recently revealed that Covid- It aims to exceed local and global ability drive was the 2022 signing of a related restrictions in South East Asia environmental compliance and to be- partnership agreement with UK-based had generated new business opportuni- come an active contributor to the Saudi

Silverstream Technologies to promote ties for Middle East repairers as repair Green Initiative and UN Sustainable the use of air lubrication technology business moves west. Development Goals. A key component on existing vessels undergoing surveys Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, the re- of the strategy is ‘circularity’ – the four and/or environmental upgrades. Silver- gion’s largest repair and construction ‘R’s’ – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Re- stream boss, Noah Silberschmidt, has complex, International Maritime Indus- cover. This will be achieved through closed several substantial deals with tries (IMI), is ramping up operations. A various decarbonization initiatives in- ship operators recently and is now fo- joint venture between Saudi Aramco, cluding the development of renewable cusing on approved installation agree- Lamprell, Bahri, and Hyundai Heavy energy and the adoption of alternative ments with major repair yards of which Industries, the vast complex has been fuel technology.

DDW is a front-runner. The air lubri- built to undertake ship and offshore Earlier this year, IMI announced a tie- cation technology has already been in- construction, repairs and all related up with Columbia Ship Management to stalled on various ship types including business. The purpose-built facility is collaborate on ship design, construction,

LNG carriers, roro ships, bulk carriers sited at Ras Al Khair on Saudi’s Gulf and repair. Through a MoA, the two and cruise vessels. coast and already has an eye-watering companies now combine the region’s

At a corporate level, DDW is on track forward book. largest shipyard complex and a leading to become completely net-zero by 2040, IMI holds newbuilding commitments ship manager with services including according to yard executives. This en- worth $10B over ten years with partners vessel operation, crewing, training, and deavor is a clear sign of direction of Aramco, 20 rigs, and Bahri, 52 vessels. newbuilding and repair supervision. travel, as the facility evolves from be- ing a shipyard to becoming a pioneer in renewable energy construction. Mean- while, the sustainability drive is evident in many aspects of the shipyard’s activi- ties, with the notable example of a part- nership with the Dubai Electricity and

Water Authority to safeguard the marine environment at its shipyard sites.

Rapid Expansion

In addition to the many small yards and service facilities around the Gulf coast and notably the UAE, there are two other large facilities of note. Re- cent expansion at the recently rebranded

Asyad Dry Dock in Duqm, Oman, has pitched the yard high on the region’s list of key players. Previously Oman Dry- dock Company, the shiprepairer’s new name re? ects its ownership by Oman shipping and logistics group, Asyad.

The facility has two graving docks with a capacity of up to 600,000dwt and 1.8 miles of quayside.

Further expansion at the shipyard www.marinelink.com 29

MR #1 (18-33).indd 29 1/4/2023 2:55:30 PM