VLCC conversions for Oman Drydock Co

ODC will convert the recently bought 319,869dwt Selma B, built in 2010, to the Olympic Lion and the 2009-built Camilla T to the Olympic Leopard. The deal follows an identical job ODC completed for Springfield on the Olympic Luck, completed in January this year.

Dr Abdulmalik Bin Abdullah Al Hinai, chairman, ODC said: “The Olympic Luck was the first major conversion job we had undertaken and its success was a tremendous showcase for the world class workforce, skills and infrastructure that we have here at ODC.

“Converting the Selma B and Camilla T will send a big message to the industry about ODC’s capabilities, competitive advantages and ambitions for future growth.”

Work will begin in June and will employ around 500 workers, using more than 6,000 tonnes of steel. ODC will partner with Korean shipbuilder DSME on the project at the yard in Oman.

Yong Duk Park, chief executive officer of ODC, said: “These complex, rigorous and demanding conversions will use DSME’s broad knowledge of precision engineering and design innovation to inform our construction methods. As with the Olympic Luck we expect to fabricate close to 40 blocks between 50 and 80 tonnes for each vessel. This will enable us to build in larger portions, reducing on time and cost.”

Dimitris Patrikios, general manager, Springfield Shipping Company added: “We are pleased to award the contract for these two major new conversions to ODC based on quality and the strong working relationship we have built up with its team. We very much look forward to working on these conversions and then seeing these magnificent vessels transport oil safely around the world.”

ODC has worked on a wide variety of ships from VLCCs to container ships, LNG and LPG carriers to chemical carriers, dredgers, ro-ros and barges. It employs workers from more than 12 countries.