UAE-based Grandweld Shipyard and the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) have announced the commencement of the production phase for building six pilot boats and four crew boats for KOC.

The design and engineering phase for the project started during May 2017 and now the production phase has started with target to deliver the first boat in December 2018 while the delivery of all ten boats will be completed in July 2019, reported Emirates news agency Wam.

The six Pilot Boats and four Crew Boats are custom designed in accordance with KOC technical requirements. The Boats are designed, equipped and built to the highest industry international standards with adopting the latest technology and Lloyd's Register’s classification rules in order to provide high operational efficiency and safety.

Sami Al-Sawagh, marine operations manager at KOC, said: "This occasion is the beginning of an extremely important contract phase which is the commencement of production work at the shipyard for building four crew boat and six pilot boats. The construction of these boats is part of Kuwait Oil Company strategic requirements for the future fleet expansion and KOC gives significant importance to this project."

Jamal Abki, general manager of Grandweld Shipyards said: "We thank Kuwait Oil Company for their confidence by awarding us this second major Shipbuilding Contract. The first major contract for the building of four crane boats was awarded to Grandweld during 2013. This project is moving in accordance with schedule and plans. Grandweld is confident to deliver on time and to fulfil the satisfaction of our significant customer KOC."