ASRY expands into newbuildings

The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) has been awarded a $4 million contract by the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) to build a new 35 metre service boat which will service its operations in Kuwait. The vessel, the first of this particular design to be built by ASRY, will be completed by the end of the year.

The shipyard has built a number of smaller vessels, but is now looking to expand its expertise into the field of specialist vessels such as tugboats and service boats. The newbuilding is 9 metres wide, powered by two main engines and is fitted with a bow thruster. Manned by a crew of six, it will have the capability to take around 20 passengers.

Designed principally as a service boat, the vessel will deliver potable water and necessary spares and provisions to KOTC’s fleet of tankers and other vessels. It will also be fitted with a six-tonne deck crane and 10-tonne towing hook, giving it the flexibility to tackle a broad range of jobs. It will also have on board a sewage treatment plant and oily water separator to protect the marine environment.

ASRY says it has been approached by a number of companies who require similar specialist vessels.