Bahrain-based Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (Asry) will celebrate its 35th anniversary on Sunday, its chairman said.

The celebration will coincide with a new 1.38km repair quay wall being inaugurated at the yard, Asry chairman Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa added.

He said the event was a significant milestone for Bahrain's maritime sector and economy.

It also represents the company's continued growth in the ship repair and maintenance industry, he added.

'Asry was the first ship repair yard in the Middle East, and since its inception, has established itself as a leader both in the region and internationally,' he said.

'This is a reflection of the overall quality of the yard, its facilities and the skilled personnel available,' the chairman said.

'Asry's continued growth and excellence has solidified its prominence among shipping hubs around the world and the celebration of our 35th year is a great way to thank all those who have supported us over the years,' Shaikh Daij added.

He said since commencing operations in October 1977, Asry has continued to grow its repair facilities which now include - in addition to the repair quay wall - a 500,000 dead weight tonnage (dwt) capacity graving dock, two floating docks capable of accommodating vessels up to 80,000 dwt and 120,000 dwt, two of the largest slipways in operation in the region and 15 repair berths.

All three dry docks and the two slipways are backed-up by a comprehensive array of workshops, which cater to a variety of large and small vessels.

The event will be attended by Bahrain's business leaders and leading international maritime guests from the government and private sectors.

Guest speakers will include global maritime publications and exhibitions organiser Seatrade chairman Chris Hayman and Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries secretary-general Abbas Ali Al Naqi.

Asry chief executive Chris Potter said the marine and offshore industry was witnessing one of its busiest periods in recent memory, and demand for high quality products and services was high.

'Over the last three and half decades, Asry has developed into one of the world's largest and most efficient ship repair and conversion yards.

'With our recent win at this year's Lloyd's List Middle East and Indian Sub-Continent Awards, where we were named 'Shipyard of the year', our position within the market has been strengthened further,' Potter said.

'By expanding our workforce, mobilising all available resources and diversifying our offering to include additional services, Asry has consolidated its position as an undisputed global leader in the industry,' he said.

'Our anniversary celebration will allow us to showcase our achievements both in the industry and with regard to Bahrain's economic development,' he added. – TradeArabia News Service