Bahrain-based Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (Asry) has won a $2.8 million tender to design and construct a new landing craft for the Bahrain Coast Guard, the company’s chief executive Nils Kristian Berge has said.

Talking to the media on the sidelines of the company’s annual media ghabga, Berge said the craft, potentially the first of two, will be 
delivered next year, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The contract marks the yard’s first newbuild order since the launch of the new construction and engineering division, which is tasked with growing the new construction programme, he said.

“This deal is significant as it marks the beginning of a move into the new construction market.”

He said while the shipyard always had the capabilities and resources to run a quality new construction programme, with several newbuilds completed over the years, the company had noted a gap in the market of regional ship construction of small to medium sized vessels.

“Our new construction and engineering division features some of the most experienced naval architects and engineers in the Arabian Gulf and combines them with Asry’s years of know-how to make a first class newbuild team,” Berge added.

Asry new construction and engineering senior manager Sauvir Sarkar who was also present told the GDN that the newbuild market in the Arabian Gulf still had significant room for growth.

“We can build world-class vessels at prices competitive with international builders... We aim to put this region on the map in terms of vessel design and construction, especially small-to-medium sized vessels,” Sarkar said.

In a statement, Bahrain Coast Guard Commander Brigadier Ala Abdulla Seyadi said the organisation would look to work with Asry on “several other projects in the future”.

“Asry’s experience is well-known, and their quality of work shows through their shiprepair operations... It’s a natural step for them to move to step up their newbuild work, and we’re very comfortable trusting them to grow our fleet at a reasonable price point,” Brigadier Seyadi added.

Bahrain Coast Guard chief engineer Lt Colonel Jahangir Sarwar said the shipyard had earlier built check point barges for the organisation.

“We are particularly interested in Asry’s advanced capabilities such as 3D simulation tool to give greater feedback at engineering stage.”

The new craft will be used for the transport of vehicles, potable water, and fuel.

It will be approximately 34.5m in overall length, with two 600 horsepower engines, having a top speed of 10 knots and cargo deck capacity of 40 tonnes. - TradeArabia News Service