Pact signed to build Oman's first offshore tugboat

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman will build its first locally manufactured offshore tugboat following the signing of a strategic agreement between Asyad Drydock and global maritime services provider Svitzer, for Oman LNG. The project marks a major step forward in strengthening the country’s industrial, maritime and shipbuilding capabilities.
The agreement was signed under the auspices of Abdulsalam bin Mohammed al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority and forms part of the long-standing partnership between Oman LNG and Asyad Group, which is anchored in closer integration across the national energy, logistics and maritime sectors.
The project represents a shift from operational and maritime support services to a more advanced phase of industrial cooperation, reflecting Oman LNG’s commitment to local value creation and Asyad Drydock’s growing technical readiness to undertake complex vessel construction.
Al Murshidi said the project stands as a clear outcome of the ‘Rawabet’ programme launched by the Oman Investment Authority to enhance integration among national companies. He underscored the focus on local content and in-country value, noting that the initiative brings advanced maritime technology to Oman while generating employment opportunities for Omanis.
He also affirmed the capability of Duqm Drydock to manufacture tugboats in the coming period, pointing to the significant progress achieved in 2025, both in terms of the number of vessels serviced and the qualitative transition towards full-scale shipbuilding.
Hamed bin Mohammed al Naamany, Chief Executive Officer of Oman LNG, said the decision to build the tugboat locally, supported by Asyad Group’s investment, contributes to strengthening Oman’s maritime heritage, developing national capabilities, transferring knowledge and supporting future growth in marine asset manufacturing and construction.
He added that the project reflects growing confidence in Asyad Drydock’s technical expertise, advanced infrastructure and qualified Omani workforce, enabling the execution of ship repair, construction and major marine projects in line with the highest international standards.
Ahmed bin Ali al Balushi, CEO of Asyad Drydock and Infrastructure Services at Asyad Group, said the drydock serves as a national industrial platform for localising the construction of high-value marine assets through a sustainable approach that increases local content. He noted that local content in this project is expected to reach around 50 per cent.
Al Balushi revealed that Asyad Drydock’s total local expenditure in 2025 reached approximately RO 46 million, while spending on small and medium-sized enterprises amounted to around RO 7.78 million, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting national institutions and developing local talent.
He added that the project exemplifies Oman LNG’s approach to translating local value-added commitments into tangible outcomes by embedding them into contracts and operating models. The Omanisation rate among service providers exceeded 85 per cent, with 79 per cent of total supply chain spending directed to locally registered companies. — ONA