Asry to build landing craft

Friday, Jun 26, 2015

Manama: Bahrain-based Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) has signed an agreement with the Bahrain Coast Guard to design and construct a new Landing Craft for the transport of vehicles, potable water and fuel.

The craft, potentially the first of two, will be delivered in 2016. The contract, worth approximately $2.8 million (Dh10 million), marks ASRY’s first new-build contract since launching the New Construction and Engineering division, tasked with growing the new construction programme at the yard, the company said.

“This deal is significant for ASRY,” Nils Kristian Berge, ASRY Chief Executive, said.

“It marks the beginning of ASRY’s new move into the new construction market. Historically, ASRY has always had the capabilities and resources to run a quality new construction programme, with several new-builds completed over the years, but we now see a gap in the market of regional ship construction of small- to medium-sized vessels. Our New Construction and Engineering division now boasts some of the most experienced naval architects and engineers in the Arabian Gulf and combines them with ASRY’s years of know-how to make a first class newbuild team,” he said.

The landing craft will be approximately 34.5 million in overall length, with two 600 horsepower engines, having a top speed of 10 knots and cargo deck capacity of 40 tonnes. Delivery is expected in the first half of 2016.

Sauvir Sarkar, ASRY New Construction and Engineering Senior Manager, said the new-build market in the Arabian Gulf still had significant room for growth.

“With ASRY’s experience, we can build world-class vessels at prices competitive with international builders. We aim to put this region on the map in terms of vessel design and construction, especially small- to medium-sized vessels,” he said.

During the kick-off meeting with the Coastguard, Brigadier Ala Abdullah Seyadi, Commander Coastguard, said: “It is natural for ASRY to move to step up their new-build work, and we are very comfortable trusting them to grow our fleet at a reasonable price point. We hope to work with them with several other projects in the future.”

By Habib Toumi Bureau Chief