Leading United Arab Emirates shipyard Grandweld has secured its position as the number one regional shipyard for the offshore segment, completing construction of a total of 17 vessels over the space of the last year. Latest projects include advanced crew boats, dive maintenance and support vessels, and work crane boats for a who’s who of Middle East energy firms and offshore contractors.
Grandweld, which has been operating from its Dubai base since 1984, specializes in vessels custom built to conduct complex operations in the region’s challenging offshore environment.
These range from three recently delivered work crane boats for Kuwait Oil Company - optimized for duties such as heavy lifting, oil-pollution control, SPM hose handling, and supply to remote areas – to two modified 42 meter long crew boats (FNSA-3 and FNSA-4) for Fujairah National Shipping Agency. The latter vessels are capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots and customized to execute operations such as security duties, fast transportation of offshore personal and cargo, and the rapid supply of fuel and freshwater.
“The Middle East is a unique environment, with unique challenges and opportunities,” states Mr. Jamal Abki, General Manager Grandweld Shipyards. “We have a history of producing vessels that excel here. We use that understanding to continually enhance our offering, while building new relationships with international clients who can benefit from our expertise when it comes to meeting their own exacting requirements.
“Our integrated proposition is efficient, flexible and modern, while our in-house engineers and project managers are world class. In addition, we invest heavily in research and development to enhance our own designs, as well as using respected external designers when desired. This ensures our vessels are leading the way in operational efficiency, reliability and performance - something the industry clearly appreciates.”
Further noteworthy deliveries over the last months include three 34.3 meter aluminum crew boats to Jana Marine Services, a 50 meter Dive Maintenance & Support Vessel to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and the 42 meter crew boats Stanford Volga and Stanford Niger, which are capable of carrying 83 people at speeds of 25 knots.
“It’s an exciting time for the business, and our customers,” concludes Jamal Abki. “As the offshore trend points towards more optimized, complex vessels, our knowledge and experience allows us to respond with advanced newbuilds that deliver added performance and competitiveness for our clients.
“We’re now looking forward to building on our leading market position over the space of the next 12 months, and beyond.”
