Page 82: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 2014)

82 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News ? AUGUST 2014 -tivity in the region, we are already see-ing stronger demand for quality and re-liable repair and maintenance services from ship owners/managers and rig operators. As such, two ß oating docks - one VLCC size measuring 405m by 66m ? and another Handymax-size ß oating dock measuring 163m by 26m, are under construction and will be operational by 2015. These ß oating docks will not only double the yard?s docking capacity but also enhance its ß exibility in sched- uling repairs as the volume of work increases. In addition to this increase in docking capacity, N-KOM has also established tank cleaning services for crude oil tankers as demand for this ser- vice grows apace the number of tankers plying the region. Being ß exible with the provision of demucking and deslopping services either at Ras Laffan anchorage or while the vessel is en-route to the shipyard from Fujairah, further enhanc-es the shipyard?s attractiveness as a one- stop service provider. How is N-KOM investing today, in training and in people? Our people are our greatest as- set. As such, we have a comprehensive training program for every employee to ensure they reach their maximum poten-tial. Training is mostly conducted at our in-house training center and not only fo-cuses on enhancing technical skills but also on enriching their personal develop-ment. What, speciÞ cally, does your facility, your staff offer to ship owners that is unique to the region? Unique to the worldÕs ship repair industry? There are several unique selling points of N-KOM that few can compare with, such as its strategic location at the heart of busy shipping routes in the Ara- bian Gulf and having parent companies whom are leaders in their respective Þ elds ? Nakilat (Qatar Gas Transport Company) being the world?s largest owner of LNG vessels and Keppel Off- shore & Marine, a name synonymous with excellence in the areas of ship re-pair and conversion. By leveraging on the strengths and expertise of our parent companies, N-KOM has successfully completed drydocking and repairs for more than 100 gas carriers in a short span of three years. We have carved a niche area for ourselves as the gas solution provider of choice, riding on the green shipping wave and latest IMO regulations. As part of its value-offering, the ship- yard provides a ?ß ying squad? to un- dertake marine repairs at the port and anchorage(s) as well as voyage repairs. A separate offshore team holding certi Þ -cations from CDC, TBOSIET and H2S, can also be mobilized to undertake off- shore hook ups, commissioning & in-stallation as well as support services for BrownÞ eld and new platforms. Looking at the market overall, where do you see the best opportunity for growth in the coming few years? We are seeing more demand for construction, repair and maintenance services as offshore activities continue to increase in the Arabian Gulf. The growth observed is parallel to that for the demand of offshore accommodation jack-ups, otherwise known as liftboats. There is great potential in this market and N-KOM, together with its partner companies, is well poised to cater to this demand. As it is, the shipyard has com- menced its Þ rst offshore newbuild con- struction this year. Every business has its challenges: what do you see as the biggest challenges for your companyÕs continued growth and success in the coming years? Qatar?s maritime cluster is still at a nascent stage, though it has been rapidly building up over the past few years with the new Doha Port project and other developments in the maritime Recent jobs completed by N-KOM (clockwise, starting left) 1. EuronavÕs crude oil tanker Cap Felix drydocked in N-KOM.2. Janah Star, the 200th project. 3. Maran TankerÕs VLCC Maran Carina and Lino MarineÕs chemical tanker Chemroad Vega undergoing aß oat repairs at N-KOM. 4. Gulf drilling international jack up rig Msheireb. 1423MR #8 (82-89).indd 82MR #8 (82-89).indd 828/5/2014 10:00:58 AM8/5/2014 10:00:58 AM