Upsurge in vessel support service business in UAE

Leading marine management company Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) is continuing its ongoing investment in support services for the Middle East, having today ordered another launch vessel to be added to its growing fleet in the region.

Inchcape 21, scheduled for delivery in February 2005, is the sixth new launch vessel that ISS has ordered from local Dubai-based shipbuilder Grandweld in two years. Both Inchcape 21 and Inchcape 19, another new vessel due for delivery in October 2004, will provide vital support services including the transfer of crew and the supply of provisions and spare parts to vessels lying offshore the UAE port of Fujairah and Dubai, as well as

passing vessels of Mina Saqr port.

These launches will each be 21.5 metre in length, with a cargo capacity of 15 tonnes and passenger capacity of 20 and have a speed in excess of 20 knots. In addition, ISS has

under construction a 33.8 metre vessel scheduled for delivery in December 2004 under

construction at the same yard. The crew boats cost $1million each and are being built at Al Jadaf Shipyard in Dubai.

ISS? two-year investment in services in the port is aimed at meeting the increasing demand for vessel supply services from ocean-going vessels using the anchorage. It also forms the first phase of a regional fleet replacement and enhancement strategy put in place by ISS in 2002.

Capt. Trond Baade, General Manager, ISS Dubai said: “UAE ports are increasingly significant multi-purpose service centres for the maritime industry and their role will continue to grow. We have had to be quick to respond to the recent rapid upsurge in vessels requiring marine services offshore in the region. ISS handles more than 4,000 vessels per year at different ports in the UAE and a modern fleet of service launches, together with our unique Transit Facility at the Ports, will speed the flow of supplies to our customers? ships.”