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dedicated to the repair of small ships(<20,000dwt) later this year, owing to the regional demand for such a facility to be made available. How is N-KOM investing today, in train- ing and in people?N-KOM is committed to promote a continual learning and development cul- ture among all our stakeholders. We reg- ularly conduct safety and technicalcompetency trainings to ensure that our workforce is equipped with up-to-date skills and knowledge. We also conduct joint training sessions along with our contractors and partnersas we realize the importance of having everyone onboard the team within the shipyard. We believe that our people are the company?s greatest asset and make deliberate effort to provide various op- portunities for personal and professionalgrowth. What, specifically, does your facility, your staff offer to ship owners that is unique to the region? Unique to the world?s ship re- pair industry?Our unparalled backing from two rep- utable names in the maritime industry-Nakilat and Keppel, along with our ideal location within the Port of Ras Laffan al- lows us to offer a unique and compre- hensive suite of services to meet the requirements of our clients. We have ac- quired world-class partners and invested in technologically advanced equipment to provide a holistic and integrated shiprepair facility, the Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard, at the doorstep of one of the world?s busiest shipping routes- the Persian Gulf. Looking at the market overall, where do you see the best opportunity for growth in the coming few years? While the global shipping industry hasseen better times, the global LNG andoffshore markets are making headlines with their rise and profitability. N-KOM is able to capitalize on this global LNGboom by positioning itself as a center ofexcellence for LNG repairs. With our lo- cation at the doorstep of LNG loadingterminals in the Port of Ras Laffan, N- KOM is strategically positioned to offer our array of services and specialistknowledge to LNG shipowners, where to date having carried out 33 LNG repairs carried out within a span of 18 monthssince operations began. The thriving regional offshore market also presents a great opportunity for N-KOM to extend its repair, fabrication and maintenance services for rig owners. Having previously completed repairs and refurbishments for seven jackup rigs, and having three more firm-stemmed from Ensco this year, N-KOM is growing its repute as a safe and reliable solutionprovider to the offshore industry. The new ship repair at Ras Lafan, Qatar, is in- dicative of broad industry investment in shipbuild-ing, repair and conversion across the Middle East. September 2012www.marinelink.com 15MR#9 (10-17):MR Template 9/11/2012 1:25 PM Page 15