Renaissance Services' subsidiary, Topaz Marine Engineering, a UAE-based ship building, ship repair and engineering services company, confirmed that it has been commissioned by the Kuwait Oil Co (KOC) to design, build and deliver ten pilot boats of 22m length overall (LOA), according to a statement issued by Renaissance to Muscat Securities Market.
The statement said that according to market estimates the contract value will be in the region of US$50mn. With a focus on high technology and latest design, the pilot boats will be designed to accommodate 30 crew, with passengers all seated on the main deck, and will be provided with topquality equipment.
The boats will provide 24-hour crew transfer service to vessels anchored in Kuwait waters and will be equipped with oil spill-recovery capabilities and advanced navigation and communication systems. The boats will be built at Topaz's Nico Craft Shipyard in Abu Dhabi where the construction will start in the beginning of 2013 with the ten units scheduled for delivery within 2014. Thomas Bower, managing director of Topaz Marine Engineering, said, "This contract is another achievement for Topaz Group and confirms our leadership as fast crew/supply boats supply in MENA region."
He added, "International recognition, experience, quality of work and commitment for ontime delivery at Topaz are some of the strengths that helped us win this contract after a competitive worldwide tender process." From its main shipyard at the Mussafah Industrial Area in Abu Dhabi, Topaz has built a reputation for on-time delivery of highquality offshore vessels.
The company has developed into one of the leading shipbuilders in the GCC region with a portfolio of both steel and aluminium vessels and is dedicated in providing international standards in the shipbuilding construction which brought the attention of global clients. KOC is a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) and is involved in the exploration, drilling, and production of oil and gas within Kuwait.
© Muscat Daily 2012
