State-owned Oman Drydock Company (ODC) is preparing the groundwork to scale up its capabilities with the goal of venturing into shipbuilding business for the first time in the nation’s modern history, said a report.

A subsidiary of Asyad Group, ODC pointed out that it is upgrading the shipyard’s capabilities, including setting up a first-of-its-kind floating dock in the sultanate that will be able to fit post-Panamax size vessels, at an investment of $60 million, reported Oman Observer.

Besides it will have a floating crane with lifting capacity of 3,000 tonnes; a winching system to optimise use of space in the yard; and redesigned keel blocks that are also expected to boost capacity, it stated.

Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, the newly appointed chief executive of ODC, unveiled this participation in ‘Posidonia 2018’, a leading expo of the global shipping industry, which concluded recently in Athens, Greece.
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ODC aims to be the first choice for ship-owners for ship repair and conversion operations of commercial tonnage and naval vessels, as well as the offshore industry, not only in Oman, but the entire Middle East, remarked Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, its newly appointed chief executive on the sidelines of ‘Posidonia 2018’, a leading expo of the global shipping industry held in Athens, Greece.

He pointed out that with a strong order book and promising year ahead, the Omani company was in an advantageous position.

Since commencement of operations in 2011, ODC, located within the Port of Duqm, has handled more than 570 vessels. A large majority of these drydockings have involved ship repairs and maintenance, a growing number pertain to conversions, which is a specialist skill that the company aims to capitalise on, he added.