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Drydocks World Expands Yard Space

DUBAI - Drydocks World-Dubai, the ship repair, conversion and building subsidiary of Drydocks World, has added two new berths to its facility, increasing its conversion capacity. Completed recently, Berths 9 and 10 are now fully operational and have recently accommodated the 380-metre long TI Asia, Abuzar and Spring Bow for 
conversion works.

The announcement comes ahead of Drydocks World’s participation at Nor-Shipping 2009, in Oslo, from June 9-12, where the company’s yard capabilities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia will be highlighted.

The new FPSO Quay is located on the lee face of the main breakwater, with a total length of 668 metres and a dredged depth of –11metres DMD (Chart Datum) over a length of 630 metres. Each new berth is more than 59 metre wide and is projected to increase Drydocks World-Dubai’s Floating Production, Storage and Offloading, or FPSO, conversion capacity by two vessels per year.

“We are proud to have successfully completed another expansion project at our shipyard. The two new berths will further strengthen Drydocks World-Dubai’s profile as the largest and most efficient maritime industry hub in the region. Berths 9 and 10 are capable of handling supertanker-size vessels. The main contractor for the berth design and construction was Dutco Balfour Beatty, working with subcontractors Hills & Fort and Wajdi for the mechanical and electrical works respectively. Scott Wilson Kirkpatrik designed the civil works. I congratulate the entire team including our in-house personnel that worked to achieve the completion of the berths,” Bob Normand, Director of Infrastructure Development, Drydocks World, said.

The completion of Berths 9 and 10 enable the shipyard to provide more lay-down and fabrication areas for the conversion of Very Large Crude Carriers, or VLCCs, to FPSOs. FPSOs usually dock for one to two years, occupying crucial yard space for 
repairing of vessels.

The new berths, which currently operate with three cranes provides the much-needed additional space to meet growing customer demand.

· business@khaleejtimes.com