A new dedicated living quarters outfitters and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) facility operated by UAE-based Seven Seas has been set up within Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (Asry) in Bahrain.

The facility includes a metal fabrication workshop, a carpentry workshop, offices and stores, and will increase the variety and quality of accommodation and air conditioning works Asry can offer ship and rig clients, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The facility was launched at a ceremony that included Asry chief executive Nils Kristian Berge, technical resources and business development general manager Magdy Mustafa as well as Seven Seas chairman and owner Freddy Sidhwa, chief executive and owner Shahvir Sidhwa, managing director Craig Rose and other officials from both companies.

"Asry is well-known for its range of onsite specialist contractors, of which Seven Seas is a leading example, and one of a series of new additions," said Berge.

"This is the third development made under Project Jupiter, an initiative launched this year to make Asry the leading provider of onsite specialist contractors in the Middle East.

"We have already announced two developments of this project - a new SOLAS facility under development, and a new ABB workshop recently opened.

"This new Seven Seas facility is the third announcement, with more still to come this year," he added.

Seven Seas managing director Craig Rose said the facility entailed an investment of BD300,000 by the company.

"It will greatly enhance the local services that can be offered to both Asry and its international clients when rigs and vessels arrive for upgrades and repairs," he said.

"We are also looking to use our new fabrication facilities and stores to be able to produce various living quarters solutions, from containerised fire rated cabin units, to furniture, HVAC and general outfitting services."

The new facility's two workshops are, one for metal fabrication, producing HVAC and architectural items and the other for carpentry, building high quality furniture and architectural items.

New substantial stores will house a well-stocked inventory of materials that will enable a rapid response when rigs and vessels come in for repairs.

There are also camp facilities for the local workforce that have been built in Asry by Seven Seas as part of the substantial long-term investment in the yard.

Mustafa said under the scope of the co-operation agreement, Seven Seas will also be able to provide its services to the local market.

"This will positively contribute to the national income of Bahrain and provide training and job opportunities to Bahrainis on new types of specialised activities and skills," he added.-TradeArabia News Service