Oman Drydock Company (ODC) and Babcock International Group (BIG), the leading UK Engineering Services and FTSE 100 Company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed to jointly develop a Naval capability in Duqm, Sultanate of Oman.
It followed a period of concentrated efforts to bring together ODC’s well-established commercial shipyard and Babcock’s international Naval support expertise, with a vision to create a Joint Venture capable of providing local and international Navies with world-class engineering services in such a strategic location.
ODC’s Chairman H.E. Dr. Abdulmalik Bin Abdullah Al Hinai said “We are glad with the growing demand on the maritime services provided by our company to its clients from different countries. This agreement is an affirmation of our commitment to continue in achieving more excellence in meeting the market needs with the expectations of customers.”
Babcock Warship Support Director Mr Mike Whalley commented “we are delighted to be ODC’s chosen partner to establish this joint Naval capability. The achievement of this first milestone in an important positive step towards our common goal, and we are fully committed to continue to develop this initiative, hand in hand with ODC, into future operational and growth phases”.
ODC’s Deputy CEO for Operations Dr. Ahmed Al Abri added “This agreement consolidates the strategy to expand the scope of Oman Dry Dock services to reach a wider customer segment locally and internationally. We seek to implement the best international practices in the maritime sector through specialized quality service for commercial and naval customers, in constant pursuit to be best shipyard in the region.”
The Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZD) has seen extensive development over recent years, and this opportunity will contribute to bring yet another business stream into the region.