PHOTO
Dubai: The UAE-based, Grandweld Shipyards, recently announced the launch of its sixth pilot boat for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). As per a contract signed in May 2017, the “MESKAN” is the final boat of ten – four crew transport boats and six pilot boats – that Grandweld was required to build for KOC’s fleet. With this launch, the total number of six deliverable pilot boats has been completed. Moreover, the remaining four boats that were already launched prior, will be delivered in June 2019 after full inspection and testing for sailing performance.
The new “MESKAN” boat, which was specifically designed to meet the needs of KOC, was launched ahead of schedule as per the contract between Grandweld and KOC. In accordance with the classification standards of Lloyd's Register, “MESKAN” will provide high operational efficiency and elite safety. Jamal Abki, General Manager of Grandweld Shipyards said, “Through great proficiency, we have completed the building of KOC’s 10 boats before the specified deadline and it is with great pleasure that we are here today inaugurating the “MESKAN”.We are proud to once again demonstrate our first-tier time management and control of project workflow to meet deadlines promptly, if not ahead of schedule. While violation of scheduled deadlines and specification changes seems to be a common market practice, Grandweld is dedicated to avoiding this trend.”
Abki further added, “Ensuring our clients’ utmost satisfaction and safeguarding their business opportunities are our top priorities. Despite the fact, that the agreed upon contract stipulated a speed of 22 knots for “MESKAN”, we have exceeded project specifications by designing and building it to reach a speed of up to 24 knots. This significant achievement was delivered by our engineers, and construction and design experts, without increasing client cost or requesting amendment of schedule or postponement of project delivery. This is yet another quality which distinguishes us from our competition in the shipbuilding market, as we guarantee our customers a higher return on their investments and better economic value operationally. With that said, this makes us feel eligible to tag our products with the ‘Made in UAE brand.’”
Value-based partnership
Sami Al-Sawagh, Marine Operations Manager at KOC stated, “The launch of these vessels comes at a very opportune time for KOC, as our operations have expanded exponentially. The high level of satisfaction and positive feedback we have received from our crews about these boats, played a major role in contributing to our decision to choose Grandweld for these builds. In addition to their optimal performance efficiency, low consumption of fuel, and environmentally-friendly footprint, these factors only further supported our choice.”
Al-Sawagh further added, “During the entire duration of this project, not once did we feel that our relationship with Grandweld was based on supplier/client interaction. In fact, it was 100% based on partnership. Our technical teams contributed with a hands-on-approach during all phases of the boat’s construction, starting with design and specification until the actual build and completion itself. This led to full participation of management on the project and the follow-up stages of construction. By relying on our internal team to manage the project, they exceeded all expectations and we are proud to have formed this partnership.”
“MESKAN” is considered remarkable in build, combining both steel and aluminum in the structure of the hull to achieve greater stability in sailing, and ensuring optimal safety. Additionally, the high quality materials used to manufacture the boat, hailing from the United States, Europe and Japan, offer strong maneuverability. Boasting a maximum speed of up to 24 knots, the boat has a sailing range that reaches up to 250 nautical miles.
Designed to withstand the most challenging weather conditions, “MESKAN” is capable of connecting marine crews and assisting ships to dock around the clock. The high performance capability of the boat can be attributed to its distinctive design, which has been modified several times after practical tests of a number of pilot models in water. Furthermore, it is able to work on coastal ports or offshore berths, which Kuwait owns four of.
-Ends-
About Grandweld Shipyards:
Grandweld is a fully integrated shipyard providing shipbuilding, ship repair, and engineering solutions to serve the offshore and marine industry around the world. Established in 1984, Grandweld has developed as one of the region’s most established and versatile shipyards, providing both quality and value. Grandweld Shipyards is established to handle repair, refit and conversion for all types of marine vessels. The company works around the clock to deliver high quality services at competitive prices and within swift delivery schedules, ensuring their clients’ immediate and long-term needs are always met.
About Kuwait Oil Company (KOC):
KOC was established in 1934 by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company today known as British Petroleum Company (BP) and the Gulf Oil Corporation, today known as Chevron. Since establishment, the company started operating in exploration, land and sea surveying, drilling pilot wells, developing producing wells, in addition to exploring crude oil and natural gas. Today, KOC continues to fulfill its mission to explore, develop and produce oil and gas in Kuwait for its customers worldwide in an environmentally safe and economically viable manner.
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
