DHAHRAN, June 16, SPA -- Supporting the expansion of Saudi Aramco's offshore activities, the Industrial Services Organization (ISO) has ordered 10 new anchor handling tug supply and safety vessels (AHTSS), some of which will be constructed by Saudi shipwrights at the Port of Dammam.
Zamil Operations and Maintenance Co. (ZOMCO) was awarded contracts to deliver the new vessels. Of the 10 vessels, four will be constructed at the contractor's shipyard in Dammam, according to a latest news report carried by Saudi Aramco's web-site.
Amer A. Al-Sulaim, executive director of Industrial Services, said building these sophisticated support vessels in-Kingdom demonstrates the capabilities and high level of expertise available with local contractors and the commitment to support Saudi Aramco's strategy of promoting the local economy.
He noted the vessels will be manned by Saudi crews when completed.
"Saudizing the contractor manpower is a step in the right direction that provides many benefits for the company and the country as a whole, " Al-Sulaim said.
The contracts require 45 percent Saudization at their inception, with 5 percent annual increases.
He emphasized important aspects in working with contractors, stressing the level of service provided, cost, quality, uninterrupted services and service reliability. "We've counted on our contractors to align to the ISO objectives," Al-Sulaim said.
ZOMCO, a Saudi-owned and managed company founded in 1977, provides marine services to Saudi Aramco. ZOMCO now has 34 vessels in service with the Marine Department, which will increase to 44 when the new vessels are launched.
Zamil Al-Zamil, chairman of Zamil Group, said the signing of the 10 AHTSS contracts is evidence of Saudi Aramco's management commitment to local contractors and the local economy.
Al-Zamil also announced plans to establish a Maritime Academy in Dammam, to provide local training and certification of Saudi nationals for careers as seafarers and to ensure a ready force of competent and qualified workers for other contractors to employ.
© Saudi Press Agency 2008
