Bahrain-based Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (Asry) held talks with a high-level Nigerian delegation on supply of a number of the firm's unique power barge products.

The power barges are the yard's most recent diversification, in partnership with UK-based Centrax and Rolls Royce, and are waterborne power stations deployable in previously inaccessible areas, such as upstream Nigeria.

The Nigerian delegation, headed by executive governor of Anambra state, Peter Gregory, visited Asry for two days, which included intensive talks on the specifications of the barges, the company's region leading capabilities, and the in-depth requirements of Nigeria's power needs.

The delegation inspected the yard and particularly the progression of a barge already under construction.

"Having seen the barge and yard in detail, the governor and the delegation had a much clearer idea of the sophistication and professionalism of the project," said Asry chief executive Chris Potter.

"We expect to be working closely with them in the future."

The power barges will be waterborne power generating units that can be deployed in a multitude of otherwise unreachable areas, at minimal expense.

They employ a self-contained, modular electricity generating system designed to be situated within port, river or sheltered coastal locations and remain in operation for at least 20 years.

The new division created to manage the barge production, Asry Energy Division, will be responsible for the management, engineering, building and integration of the power barges while a JV company has been set up with Centrax, the British power generation packaging specialists, to design, market and package the barges for international clients. Rolls Royce will provide the engines.-TradeArabia News Service