Oman Drydock Company (ODC) has reported one of its busiest half-year periods to date for drydockings, conversions and repairs following its launch 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.
ODC deputy CEO Dr Ahmed Al Abri, said the period from July to December 2015 saw the shipyard undertake a range of drydockings taking the total number undertaken since it opened to 375. 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.

“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 also talked about 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 for an oil and gas client. It has further undertaken refits of a navy ship and large yacht.
Dr Al Abri said in 2016 ODC would be looking to extend its work scope and offer specialist services like complex painting, retrofitting, modification, restructuring and the installation of Ballast Water systems. He said ODC would also be targeting the industrial and offshore sectors for steel fabrication works.
“ODC is a passionate, hungry, young business with a massive appetite to grow and build long term relationships with our clients,” he said. “We have built a solid track record in the last few years and the business has real momentum behind it which customers can see that when they visit us. We have world-class facilities, truly some of the best in the world and we are tackling issues that have slowed operations in the past, such as visa and customs bureaucracy. In addition, we are expanding our supply chain building strong alliances with a broad cross section of companies including welders, blasters and engine suppliers and we have recently appointed experienced subcontractors from Romania and Singapore for painting and steel work. Moreover, we are improving the truck, rail and logistics access to Duqm. All these factors make us much more desirable to customers,” he added.
“Our geographical location thrusts us into pole position for the Asia to Europe shipping route as well as the East African and Indian offshore industries,” he said. “The convenience we can offer means ship owners can save time and money by not having to deviate course by having to go through the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, our size is a massive advantage for a wide range of engineering projects. We have two giant drydocks and can accommodate ships of any size and our 2.8km dock is the longest in the Middle East. And if circumstances dictate, we still have the space and planning permission to double in size again.  Moreover, our climate provides the perfect weather conditions for painting and the 10,000m3 capacity slops and sludge terminal can save up to three days sailing time since we can deal with everything on site,” said Dr Al Abi regarding ODC’s unique selling points that give it a distinct identity and competitive edge.