Dubai Dry Dock Begins Operations

A & P Appledore International Limited has been appointed as managers for The Dubai Dry Dock Company, one of the world's largest ship repair complexes.

Dubai Dry Dock received many inquiries during the weeks preceding the opening of the yard, last month.

Although there is strong worldwide competition, A & P Appledore is optimistic that business will be good. In order to promote sales, the yard has offered all major oil companies and large fleet owners the possibility of using the yard as a safe port for long term repairs and lay-ups. Ships can arrive at the Dubai Dry Docks and await docking and other repairs until market requirements are suitable and it is convenient for them to start trading again.

There are three drydocks in the complex with capacities of 350,000 dwt, 500,000 dwt and one million dwt. The yard is the largest in the Middle East. The docks are equipped with heavy cranes and automatic docking arms, and are supported by a complete range of back-up facilities. These include not only mechanical, steel, electrical, pipework and joiner shops, but also a fully equipped tank cleaning station, a large industrial laboratory and a substantial training school. The facilities are suitable not only for major ship repair work, but also for a wide range of industrial, mechanical and engineering work. Much of the equipment and plant is unique in the Middle East.

The first chief executive is Thorsten Andersson, whose wide experience in ship repairing includes eight years as managing director of the well known Portuguese yard, Lisnave. Under his guidance Lisnave became one of the most successful repairers of large tankers in Europe. Mr. Andersson is supported by a highly experienced team of proven ship repair yard managers, including Jan Neeb. Mr. Neeb's background includes working for Lisnave as the commercial director and more recently as managing director of Amsterdam Drydocks.

Mr. Andersson is one of A & P Appledore's highly successful experts in the field of shipyard management and consultancy. The company has worked in 50 countries.

Its many contracts included the provision of a total range of design and organizational services for Hyundai and Daewoo in South Korea, two of the largest shipyards in the world.

Mr. Andersson believes, if all goes well, Dubai Dry Dock should handle up to 75 ships in its first year of operation. The firm booking of the first tanker for drydocking at the yard this month is an excellent beginning.

For a copy of a free full color brochure completely describing all facilities and services offered by the Dubai Dry Dock, Write 74 on Reader Service Card