Qatar: Nakilat-Keppel O&M Drydock Receives its First Ship

 

N-KOM’s (Nakilat-Keppel Offshore Marine) new state-of-the-art dry dock at Ras Laffan Port has received its first ship – the RasGas’ chartered LNG Vessel, Simaisma. This historic event marks a new phase for the RasGas fleet and RasGas’ drive to ensure the security and reliability of LNG supply.

RasGas chartered vessel, Simaisma, with its 23-strong crew, Captain Ilias-Chrysovaladis Kattidenios and Technical Director Mr Andreas Spertos of Maran Gas Maritime were greeted by Mr Tom Mc Hale, RasGas’ Acting Managing Director and his wife Mrs Sinead Mc Hale who is the ship’s sponsor. Together, they jointly presented a gift to Captain Ilias-Chrysovaladis Kattidenios in commemoration of this first dry docking at the new facilities.

Tom Mc Hale stated: “This is an important milestone for RasGas, our shipping operations and the country, placing Qatar at the forefront of not only regional, but global port development and the shipping industry.”

To ensure the highest standards in safety, the RasGas fleet of 27 vessels demands regular maintenance and has, until recently, required periodic dry docking abroad as Qatar did not have the necessary facilities. The completion of N-KOM’s new facility in Ras Laffan Port reduces the need for docking in foreign ports for maintenance and repair – further underlining RasGas’ position as a secure and reliable supplier of LNG with a sustainable model that ensures the integrity of their supply chain.

“RasGas aims to provide fast, secure and cost-efficient shipping solutions to its clients. The new dry dock at N-KOM facilitates this and is another first for Qatar” added Mc Hale.

 

Nakilat-Keppel O&M (N-KOM)

Nakilat-Keppel O&M (N-KOM) is a 43-ha world-class shipyard facility jointly developed by Nakilat (80%), the world’s leading transporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and Keppel O&M (20%), the global leader in offshore rig design and construction, ship repair and conversion, and specialised shipbuilding.

Located at the north-eastern tip of Qatar within the Ras Laffan Industrial City and close to the LNG terminals and the Ras Laffan Port, N-KOM boasts some of the most technologically advanced equipment for increased efficiency, quality and safety. The yard is designed with optimal flexibility to undertake the entire spectrum of repair, conversion and construction for a wide range of marine and offshore vessels and structures.

The state-of-the-art yard has been accredited by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) for its Integrated Management System covering ISO 9001 for Quality, OHSAS 18001 for Occupational Health & Safety and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management.

N-KOM Dry Dock was completed in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the docking of RasGas’ Simaisma represents the first in a number of phases that will see this dry docking facility grow into one of the largest in the world, providing maintenance and repair services for vessels in various industries as well as ship building facilities.

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Source: RasGas , April 14, 2011