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is the pride we take in operating
remotely.” The company’s mobile
team of approximately 200 allows
them the unique ability to cater
to client needs in the Kingdom’s
waters and along the East and West
coasts. Dammam Shipyard’s efficient
operations have also been a strong
point for the company’s success since
early on.
Their offshore division which was
established to provide repairs for
Jack up and Land Rigs in and mobile
Engineering Services to Drilling and
KSA based EPCI Companies is a
prime example of this. In February
2015, the company received their
first Jack Up rig repair project, the
Rowan Scooter Yeargain No. 55,
and promptly completed the task
in only 26 days. Al Zahrani added,
“As our shipyard also has 600m of
Quay berth with 12m draft, two
90m jetties, a Pull Test Bollard and
6 Dock/Jetties cranes with a lifting
capacity of 60 ton, we are capable of
turning out projects cost effectively
and time efficiently and we will
continue to do so.”
Coping with the challenging market
In such a challenging market that
has affected the whole Oil and Gas
industry and its associated sectors,
Dammam Shipyard has managed to
be cost effective without comprising
its high quality services. Al Zahrani
further explained, “We are in a very
critical period; however, I believe that
Saudi Arabia is in better situation
compared to other countries that
are producing oil and gas. I think
It is very important in our industry to
keep high safety standards during our
operations. We conduct safety and security
surveys periodically to ensure that our standards
are in line with the global safety and security
standards"
that Saudi Aramco is still spending
on Capex and still expanding its
fleet which will have a positive
impact on us. Furthermore, the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently
focusing more on developing and
empowering the local products with
more emphasis on providing the
maintenance and repairing services
to the fleet operating in the Kingdom
locally rather than outsourcing these
services to foreign companies.”
Strategically preparing for the
future
Aligning with the KSA government
initiative of Vision 2030, an extensive
blueprint to solidify the ambition,
economy and vibrancy of the nation,
Dammam Shipyard elected to utilize
2018 as a year of preparation. To
ensure the repair hub’s growth, the
company on boarded internationally
experienced oil and gas, and maritime
and defence expert, Sikke Jan Wynia
to oversee the bulk of activities as
General Manager.
With shipping facilitating over 90%
of global trade, vessel maintenance
cannot be overlooked. Wynia
clarified, “As part of Vision 2030, the
kingdom’s primary goal is to be an
exemplary and leading nation in all
aspects – given that the KSA is a hub
connecting three continents, the work
that we execute within our shipyard
is one that cannot be overstated.”
As the company appears adamant
on emphasising development now
to uphold standards going forward,
Wynia’s expertise should prove
beneficial.
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