The ship repair, conversion and building subsidiary of Drydocks World, has added two new berths to its facility, significantly increasing its conversion capacity
Drydocks World – Dubai have completed Berths 9 and 10 and have recently accommodated the 380-metre long TI Asia, Abuzar and Spring Bow for conversion works.
The new Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Quay is located on the lee face of the main breakwater, with a total length of 668m and a dredged depth of –11m DMD (Chart Datum) over a length of 630m Each new berth is more than 59m wide and is projected to increase FPSO conversion capacity by two vessels per year.
“The two new berths will further strengthen Drydocks World-Dubai’s profile as the largest and most efficient maritime industry hub in the region. Berths 9 and 10 are capable of handling supertanker-size vessels,” Bob Normand, director of infrastructure development, Drydocks World, said.
The completion of Berths 9 and 10 enable the shipyard to provide more lay-down and fabrication areas for the conversion of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) to FPSOs. FPSOs usually dock for one to two years, occupying crucial yard space for repairing of vessels. The new berths, which currently operate with three cranes provides additional space to meet demand.
Berth 10, which is at the seaward end of the quay, became operational on March 23, 2009 with the berthing of an oil tanker now undergoing FPSO conversion. Berth 9 was completed on April 8 and is fully operational for conversion works.
The conversion of TI Asia, one of the four largest oil tankers in the world, and Abuzar are major assignments the company has taken up. TI Asia weighs 441,893 metric tonnes and can carry 3,166,353 barrels. Dubai is among the few ports in the world that can host the mega ship, which will soon be converted into a FPSO at Drydocks World – Dubai.
