His Highness the Emir Inaugurates Qatar*s New World-Class Shipyard

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, The Emir of the State of Qatar, Nakilat inaugurated the first three phases of its new world-class Shipyard in the Port of Ras Laffan.

The Shipyard is located on a 110 hectare site, approximately 8km offshore along the southern breakwater of the expanded Port of Ras Laffan.

A “Project Task Force”, established by Nakilat, was responsible for managing the design and construction of the new Shipyard, from concept to start-up. Operation of the Shipyard commenced just over two years after start of construction.

The Shipyard has been designed for the repair and maintenance of very large LNG carriers and a wide range of other vessels, as well as the conversion of tankers to Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) and Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) units.

It is also capable of constructing a wide variety of ships up to 120 metres in length, including: commercial vessels (e.g. tugs, offshore supply vessels, coastal tankers, ferries), naval and coastguard vessels, and superyachts.

Key features of the Shipyard include two large dry docks: 400m long x 80m wide; and 360m long x 66m wide. There is also a massive ship construction hall, 270m long x 65m wide x 45m high, capable of building four 120m long vessels simultaneously, completely undercover.

Nakilat has partnered with the following two industry leaders to operate its new Shipyard:

Singapore-based Keppel Offshore & Marine, is a global leader in ship repair and conversion, as well as construction of offshore drilling rigs and floating production facilities. A joint venture company, Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine (N-KOM), operates Phases 1 and 2 of the Nakilat Shipyard, which is a state-of-the-art facility for the repair and maintenance of very large LNG carriers and a wide range of other vessels, as well as the conversion of tankers to various configurations for offshore production, storage and off loading.

On the occasion of the new Shipyard celebration, N-KOM strengthened its credentials as a leading shipyard in the Middle East via the signing of a three year Fleet Agreement with Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCo). N-KOM also entered into Letters of Intent with Gulf Drilling International, Mitsui OSK Lines, NYK Lines, K-Line, Idemitsu Tankers, Iino Lines and MARCAS to provide shipyard and dry docking services for their vessels.

N-KOM was also presented with certification from DNV (Det Norske Veritas) for its Integrated Management Systems covering ISO 9001 for Quality, OSHAS 18001 for Occupational Health and Safety and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management. As demonstrated by this significant achievement, Nakilat and its joint venture partners are all equally committed to the highest international standards for occupational health, safety , environmental management and quality assurance.

Damen Shipyards Group, of the Netherlands, is a world-renowned shipbuilder. A joint venture company, Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ), manages Phase 4 of the Nakilat Shipyard, undertaking the construction of high-value ships of up to 120 meters in length, including commercial vessels (e.g. tugs, offshore supply boats and coastal tankers), naval and coastguard vessels, and super yachts.

During the day’s program, NDSQ was also proud to receive the Keellaying Certificate from Lloyd’s Registry of Shipping for a ‘Full: Load-Out/Recovery Barge’ (LOR). The presented keelblock weighs in excess of 150 tons. Upon completion the LOR barge will be 140 meters in length with a beam of 35 meters and will be able to launch and recover vessels and offshore construction up to a weight of 10,000 tons.

The new joint ventures, N-KOM and NDSQ, are both strategic and key to the goal of positioning the State of Qatar’s marine industry as an internationally recognized centre-of-excellence. More than 600 guests from around the globe, including leaders from government and industry attended the inauguration ceremony.

His Excellency Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Deputy Premier, and Minister of Energy and Industry for the State of Qatar, and Chairman of Nakilat, said: “Today’s inauguration of the Nakilat Shipyard is a significant accomplishment for Nakilat and an important development for the State of Qatar. Our new shipyard is of key economic importance and will ensure the highest integrity and reliability of our fleet of ships, while providing for the development and growth of a new marine industrial sector in Qatar. Taken together, these accomplishments contribute to the realization of His Highness’ vision for Qatar’s economic development and for the ongoing prosperity of its citizens”.

His Excellency Al-Attiyah, also noted: “The Nakilat Shipyard combines world-class facilities with outstanding international partners which will establish Qatar as an internationally recognized centre-of-excellence in shipbuilding, repair and conversion, with additional capabilities for industrial fabrication and construction”.

Nakilat’s Managing Director, Muhammad Ghannam said: “Our vision is not only to be the world’s leading owner and operator of vessels for the transportation of LNG and associated products; but also to be the provider of choice for ship repair and construction services, as measured by customer satisfaction, operational efficiency and our commitment to high standards of safety, health and environment. Today, with the inauguration of this world-class, state-of-the-art Shipyard, a new industry — a marine industry — is born in Qatar. Our new Shipyard is an outstanding asset for the State of Qatar, and an excellent foundation for Nakilat to establish “centres-of-excellence” with its joint venture partners.”

Construction of the Nakilat Shipyard was undertaken with outstanding performance in terms of both safety and environmental compliance. When at full design capacity, the Shipyard will employ over 10,000 workers and subcontractors.

About Nakilat

Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd. (known as “Nakilat”, which means “carrier” in Arabic) is a Qatari-listed shipping company established by the State of Qatar to own, operate and manage LNG vessels, and to provide shipping and marine-related services to a range of participants within the Qatari hydrocarbon sector. Nakilat is an integral component of the supply chain of some of the largest, most advanced energy projects in the world undertaken by Qatar Petroleum, Qatargas, RasGas and their joint venture partners for the State of Qatar.

Nakilat was established in 2004 and is a joint stock company owned 50% by its founding shareholders and 50% by the public. Nakilat owns 54 LNG vessels, making it the largest LNG ship owner in the world. Its fleet of vessels transport LNG produced from Qatar’s North Field, the world’s largest non-associated gas field with approximately 15% of the world’s total proven reserves, to global markets. These vessels, constructed in Korean shipyards, incorporate the latest technology for safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation of LNG, and are the result of several years of engineering design work and testing.

About Damen Shipyards Group

Damen Shipyards Group (DAMEN) was founded in The Netherlands in 1927. Today, DAMEN is still privately owned, and the company has grown to acquire a leading position in modular shipbuilding based on standardized designs. This concept was introduced in 1969, giving DAMEN the ability to offer its customers well-proven vessels, very short delivery times and competitive prices.

With more than 34 shipyards and related companies in 13 countries, DAMEN is involved in new construction as well as ship maintenance and repair activities. In addition, DAMEN provides a broad range of associated marine services. In keeping with its ambition to serve customers, DAMEN has established a reputation for efficient post-delivery support, including spare parts services, maintenance contracts, planned maintenance systems and refits.

DAMEN constructs a wide range of ship types, including tugs, workboats, dredgers, offshore supply vessels, cargo vessels, product carriers patrol craft, naval and coast guard vessels, high speed craft and even superyachts. Shipbuilding kits are also available. Product design and engineering are carried out in-house, and a broad range of designs is available.

About Keppel Offshore & Marine

Keppel O&M is a leader in the fabrication of offshore drilling rigs, ship repair and conversion, and specialized shipbuilding. Keppel O&M’s “near market, near customer” strategy is bolstered by a global network of 20 yards and offices in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions. Integrating the experience and expertise of its yards worldwide, the group aims to be the provider of choice and partner for solutions for the offshore and marine industry.

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Source:  Damen Shipyards , November 23, 2010