Feature 2 | LNG AND LPG CARRIERS
New Middle East yards target gas carrier sector
Two new yards in Qatar and Oman this year both have the region’s LNG tanker operators in their sights.
T
he Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine (N-KOM) yard was officially inaugurated in November 2010 by
the emir of Qatar, and is now operational, albeit to a limited extent. As chief executive Yong Chee Min observes: “As with any major development, we are ramping up the yard’s capabilities in phases and have already started taking on projects.” The company, a Qatar-Singapore joint
venture, has now completed the fabrication of the two drydock gates which required around 2700tonnes of steel and is presently in the process of fabricating the blocks for the load-out barge, totalling some 7000tonnes of steel. Facilities at this stage of the project include two graving docks, the biggest of which measures 400m x 80m, and which can accommodate vessels up to 450,000dwt, and 2400m of alongside repair berths. Te yard is also well equipped with various workshops for steel, piping, electrical systems, blasting and painting and machinery work. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipping
is a key target market for the new yard, which can handle the largest vessels of this type in service, including the Q-Max and Q-Flex designs operated by Nakilat. Mr Chee Min
adds: “We recognised the significance of Qatar as the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas and the importance for us to have a strong presence here. We expect to service a number of international customers including those whom we have signed agreements with at the inauguration.” Te operators who have already entered into a commitment with the yard include Shell International Shipping and Trade Company, which has signed a three year fleet service deal, and the Japanese shipping companies MOL, NYK and K Line. A key source of business will clearly be
Qatargas Transport (Nakilat) itself. This company has built up the world’s biggest LNG vessel fleet in recent years and servicing the 54 vessels it owns or part-owns is expected to provide a base load of work for the new yard. N-KOM will be supported by Keppel
Shipyard’s specialised LNG tanker repair teams from Singapore. Furthermore the yard’s experienced senior management is being augmented by a pool of skilled manpower from Keppel’s various shipyards around the world. Tese personnel have been trained at Keppel’s Singapore yards before being deployed to Qatar. Another strong contender for LNG work
will be the Oman Drydock Company (ODC) in Duqm. Over the past few months, work has continued to gather momentum and construction of the yard, with the necessary support facilities and equipment, will be completed by March this year. Facilities at ODC include two of the largest
drydocks in the Middle East - one measuring 410m x 95m and another 410m x 80m - which will be capable of handling vessels up to 600,000dwt size. Alongside these two docks ODC will have an 80,000dwt floating dock, as well as 2800m of berths that can be used for alongside repairs. Equipment at ODC will include 14 jib cranes, with a 74m outreach, and capacities ranging from 40tonnes to 100tonnes. I S Eom, ODC marketing manager, said:
“Aſter carrying out some trial jobs for local companies, and work on a cruise ship that will be converted to a floating hotel, we will be able to provide overseas shipping clients with repair services from April 2011.” LNG is an important target market and the yard has said it will work closely with the Oman Shipping Company, which has a significant fleet of LNG ships, as well as tankers and bulk carriers. ODC is also believed to be in negotiations with various other owners having an interest in Oman’s LNG trades. Landside support facilities include steel
fabrication, machinery and outfitting workshops as well as heavy-liſt equipment. In addition the yard has an extensive pipe fabrication shop and a cryogenic workshop, to meet the particular requirements of LNG operators. Currently Drydocks World Dubai is the
region’s leading LNG carrier repair and upgrade centre, and will continue to have a strong presence in this sector. However, the emergence of two major facilities close by seems likely to challenge its regional preeminence in this market over the next few years. SCRT
The new N-KOM yard in Qatar, which is now partly operational.
26 Shiprepair and Conversion Technology 1st Quarter 2011
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