Asyad Drydock (formerly known as Oman Drydock Company) has handled more than 1,000 vessels calling at its Duqm facility for ship repair and maintenance services since the yard was established just over 10 years ago.
According to Haitham bin Nasser al Taie (pictured), Chief Operating Officer, robust demand for the services of the yard has prompted the management to consider plans for strengthening the capacity of the dry dock with a view to enhancing its appeal to mega ships of various types. Additionally, efforts are underway to improve the efficiency and upgrade the quality of services offered by the yard, he noted.
Speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), Al Taie said the dry dock had recently built and delivered its first home-built craft – a modest-sized logistics support ship – on behalf of a local company. It has since received new requests for the construction of private ships, which necessitates an expansion of the capacity of the dry dock.
To this end, Asyad Drydock has floated a tender for the procurement of a floating dock, offers for which are currently being evaluating by a consultancy firm.
Over the past two years, the yard has upgraded its capabilities by installing several gas control and water treatment systems.
Plans are also afoot to build a new workshop specialized in the construction of small ships. The workshop is currently being designed. Likewise, there initiatives to purchase of new equipment and high pressure water pumps.
Additionally, the Duqm yard is the only dry dock in the region with the ability to receive and treat oil waste from ships. Other docks require ships to unload their bilge before arrival for maintenance work – a requirement that increase the time and costs for shipowners.
Commenting on the yard’s finances, Al Taie said the company had averted operational losses since 2018. During 2019 and 2020, it achieved breakeven results and is now pointed to move towards profitability.
Also this year, Asyad Drydock awarded contracts totaling around RO 11 million in support of local businesses and SMEs, he added.
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