Oman Drydock Company (ODC) set to unleash potential following 300th drydocking and first major conversion job
Oman Drydock Company says it intends to unleash its potential to become one of the leading shipyards in the world for new build, conversion and repair after completing its first major conversion contract and 300th drydocking, the company said in its press release.
The $1.5bn shipyard, which is one of the biggest and best equipped in the world launched in 2011 in the Middle East’s new ports and logistics city of Duqm. It announced it had completed the conversion of Greek-owned crude oil carrier Olympic Luck at a special ceremony at the shipyard. Vessel owners Springfield Shipping Company joined the event to celebrate the completion.
ODC chairman Dr Abdulmalik Bin Abdullah Al Hinai said the shipyard is developing a formidable reputation for shiprepair and conversion services and is now gearing up to attack the global shipbuilding market.
"We are extremely proud to announce the completion of this project which saw the Olympic Luck converted from an Oil Bulk Ore carrier to a Very Large Crude Carrier," said the ODC chairman. "This was the first major conversion job we have undertaken and is a terrific showcase for the world class infrastructure, facilities and workforce we have.
"The vessel weighs more than 319,000 tonnes and is close to 314 metres in length. More than 1,000 men worked on the job which involved 3,000 tonnes of steelwork and was completed in around 80 days.”
ODC Chief Executive Yong Duk Park said the conversion was helped enormously by the highly sophisticated expertise of Korean shipbuilding giant DSME which is ODC’s partner. Mr Park said few other shipyards in the Gulf can match the level of conversion and ship building skills at ODC’s disposal because of its partnership with DSME.
"We removed bulk head covers and installed new swash bulk heads, making the vessel multi-functional for more efficient loading,” he said. “We used DSME's broad knowledge of precision engineering and design innovation to inform our construction methods. For the Olympic Luck we fabricated close to 40 blocks between 50 and 80 tonnes. This enabled us to build in larger portions, reducing on time and cost.”