Dubai Drydocks unveils newbuild project

Dubai Drydocks is expected to become one of the leading shipbuilders in the region, with the launch of its $60 million newbuilding panel line and steel structure assembly facility in July. The yard, whose current shiprepair facility has a monthly turnover of 2,800 tonnes of steel, plans turning over similar volumes of steel per month for the newbuilding sector.

It is already building a 10,000 tonne gravity base structure with an extensive piping arrangement and four 6,200 dwt bunker tankers due to be delivered in March. Dubai Drydocks, which also wants to be involved in tanker, bulk carrier and containership sectors through series building, is planning to build four 47,000 dwt products carriers in a series that could extend to 20 vessels.

According to Geoff Taylor, chief executive, Dubai Drydocks, the yard had also signed letters of intent covering the construction of the ?bottom end? of two semi-submersibles and two accommodation barges for Caspian Sea duties. The first phase of work, involving the landward panel line, is expected to finish by April, while the load-out facility will be ready by August. In addition to shipbuilding the new plant will add 10% to its existing shiprepair capacity. Once completed, the new facility will account for 25% of total turnover, enabling it to build vessels up to 15,000 to 20,000 dwt.

The project will include an innovative hydrolift system for launching new buildings.