In the face of mergers and fierce competition from the far east, shipbuilding and repair yards and drydocks in the Gulf must merge, according to a senior official at Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY). "The world is now witnessing fierce competition in the drydocking market and Asry is in a position to lead the yards in the Gulf to unite their efforts and establish coordination and cooperation among themselves," chief executive Mohammed Al Khateeb said.

"ASRY has already called for the merger of big yards in the Gulf. Singapore's drydocks merged to face the challenge from the Chinese." Bahrain-based ASRY plans to build another 350,000 dwt graving dock if the market improves. Its present 500,000 dwt graving dock was built in the 1970s. In 1990, two floating docks accommodating vessels up to 120,000 dwt were purchased in addition to two repair berths and two giant cranes. "ASRY was basically designed to hold three yards, but the recession of the 1970s led to the building of only one 500,000 dwt graving dock."

ASRY was set up in late 1977 when the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (Oapec) felt the need for a shipyard capable of providing drydocking and maintenance services for very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and ultra large crude carriers (ULCCs).

Full article: Gulf News Online, 13 April 2001