Dammam Shipyard: Leading Marine & Oil Repair in Saudi Arabia
In for the long haul
Dammam, on the coveted Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has witnessed incredible growth over the last 30 years due to its close proximity to major global oil companies such as Saudi Aramco. To match this growth, the King Abdul-Aziz Port of Dammam (KAPP) has drastically increased in size over the last decade and thus established itself as a key maritime hub in the Arabian Gulf, as well as the main gateway to the Eastern Province and the Capital Riyadh.
In fact, since 1998 KAPP has developed two international container and RO/RO terminals, general cargo, bonded zone and an oil production platform fabrication area. With this area of the port boasting exceptional facilities, attentions have since been turned to the development of the King Fahad Ship Repair Facility; first established in 1984, the shipyard is currently under a long-term lease concession to the Al Blagha Group, which will use its expertise and experience to support the marine, oil and gas industry in the Arabian Gulf.
“The Al Blagha Group, founded in 1991, is one of the leading Port and Shipyard operators in the Middle East,” explans Jason French, CEO of Dammam Shipyard and Jeddah Ship Repair, Al Blagha Group. “Dammam Shipyard- Al Blagha is a lease operate transfer issued by the Saudi Arabian Sea Ports Authority/ Ministry of Transport in May 2012; the shipyard is situated at the King Abdul-Aziz Port of Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is where we focus on repairing all vessels up to 215 metres and jack-up rigs that are operating in the Arabian Gulf.”
As part of Al Blagha Group, one of the largest marine infrastructure organisations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dammam Shipyard is fully equipped to support customers within the marine, oil and gas industry. Facilities include two IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) classed floating docks, with dock one boasting an overall length of 215 metres and a 22,000 tonne lifting capacity, while dock two boasts an overall length of 165 metres and a 10,000 tonne lifting capacity; a 600 metre linear quay berth with two 90 metre jetties, fully equipped hull, steel, mechanical and electrical shops, and bollard pull testing. The hull and steel shop are fully ISO 9001, 14001, 18001, and ABS/BV certified and have certified welding procedures, while classification societies are also located in close proximity to the Port of Dammam.
“With these facilities located at the King Abdul-Aziz Port of Dammam, Dammam Shipyard focuses on delivering the following core services: hull, steel and aluminium welding repairs and piping installation, and blasting and painting, which includes corrosion protection and passive fire protection application for all sectors. We also provide mechanical and electrical services, which includes HVAC, hydraulic repairs, propeller servicing and main and auxiliary diesel engine repairs as well as work shop services such as mechanical, electrical, machining and carpentry. In addition, we provide general services such as tank cleaning to our customers,” highlights Jason.
“Moreover, Dammam Shipyard has also established relationships with major industry service suppliers for blasting and painting, inspection services, scaffolding and specialised accommodation services to provide a one stop shop for rigs and vessels,” he adds. Established partners include INW Diving Services, Megarme (Palfinger), National Oilfied Narco (NOV), OES, Cape RB Hilton, Seven Seas & Reel and Muehlhan, the latter of which is the result of an on-site joint venture that was signed in November 2013.
Despite all companies within the marine, oil and gas industry being affected by lower oil prices, Dammam Shipyard has remained in demand thanks to its competitive edge as the closest shipyard to Saudi Aramco’s oilfields. Such close proximity means vessels and rig owners can remain in Saudi waters, thus saving time and money as there is no requirement to cancel work permits or for vessels to go through custom clearance. Furthermore, the company’s fully certified personnel and its ongoing implementation of a quality management system ensures continuous improvement and safe working practices.
“Dammam Shipyard has completed its 450th vessel repair since inception in May 2012 servicing the oil and gas industry in the Eastern Province. Focusing on AHTS, and platform Supply vessels (PSV) and dredgers. Meanwhile, in the first half of 2015, Dammam Shipyard completed three jack up rig repair projects: Rowan Scooter Yeargain Rig. No. 55, Rowan Hank Boswell Rig No. 57, and the Ensco 84. Dammam Shipyard also serviced dredging companies and fleet providers operating in Saudi waters; these included Huta Marine, VM Marine, Tidewater, AGMS, China Harbour, Great Lakes, and Al Saad,” highlights Jason.
As cost-conscious companies within the marine, oil and gas industry look for a good service at an increasingly competitive price, Dammam Shipyard is confident of its abilities to continue meeting the needs of those operating within the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. “For Dammam Shipyard we are looking to provide an excellent service, ensuring quick turnaround in a safe and cost competitive manner. We are also taking a long-term approach and developing the facility, equipment and personnel to support the oil & gas and marine sectors; this includes investing in new equipment and systems, in-house personnel development and building key industry supplier relationships. By steadily building our operational capability, we will reach our goal of being the leading shipyard in the Arabian Gulf,” concludes Jason.
Dammam Shipyard
Services: Ship, jack-up and drilling platform repair
Issue 125 October 2015