Oman Drydock Company (ODC) witnessed one of its busiest half year periods during July to December, 2015, with the number of drydockings undertaken during the period taking the total number to 375 since it opened in 2011.

ODC is one of the biggest shipyards in the world at 1.3m sq metres and is based in Duqm Oman’s new ports and logistics city (see notes to editors).

ODC deputy CEO Dr Ahmed Al Abri, said the work was completed for a wide variety of clients including Maran, Dynacom, SCI, Springfield, PIL, Mercator TMS, Synergy, Gulf Marine, Oman Shipping, Gas Cat, Maersk, CMA, Exmar, NYK, Red Sea and Sea Traders.

Vessels worked on included Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), crude oil tankers, container ships, LNG and LPG carriers, chemical carriers, bulk carriers, as well as dredgers, RO-ROs and barges.

“We are immensely proud of the work we have done in the last six months,” he said. “The complex range of contracts shows the world-class skills, facilities and expertise that we have. October saw ODC complete our third major conversion of an OBO to a VLCC for Springfield this year. These massive conversions are right at the cutting edge of shipyard engineering employing 500 men and deploying the considerable expertise of our Korean partner DSME.  The conversion works entailed removing bulkhead covers and installing new swash bulkheads and making the vessels multi-functional for more efficient loading. Between the three conversions we fabricated close to 120 blocks between 50 and 80 tonnes. This enabled us to build in larger portions, reducing on time and cost. We believe this track record in conversions sends a powerful message to the shipping industry and can catapult us further into the multi-billion global conversion industry.

Outside conversions Dr Al Abri pointed to ODC’s rapidly increasing work in the LNG sector.

“Again combining the knowledge and expertise of DSME with our world class facilities and geographical location we strongly believe we are one of the most advanced and best equipped yards in the world for LNG tankers,” he said. “We have worked on many LNG vessels for owners including Oman Shipping, Exmnar and GasCat, undertaking repairs and maintenance. Works included hull blasting and painting, cargo tank inspection by GTT and the overhaul of machinery. This covered the engine room, propeller, boiler and generator as well as outfitting and electrical jobs.”

ODC LNG services cover key areas such as the supply chain of various materials including invar, insulation boxes, membranes, prefabricated panels and cryogenic safety valves. Further investment has included renovation to its cryogenic shop so it can repair up to four LNGCs at any one time.

Dr Al Abri said other important jobs in the last six months have included applying an epoxy tank coating to a product tanker to a tight deadline and very high standard. In addition, the yard has prefabricated a massive steel platform structure of more than 12,700 tonnes for an oil field. It has further undertaken refits of a navy ship and large yacht.

In 2016, ODC will be looking to extend its work scope and offer specialist services like complex painting, retrofitting, modification, restructuring and the installation of Ballast Water systems, Dr Al Abri said. He said ODC will also be targeting the industrial and offshore sectors for steel fabrication works. – TradeArabia News Service