N-KOM, the joint venture shipyard between Qatar’s Nakilat and Keppel Offshore & Marine, has delivered its first liftboat unit, Al Safliya, to Qatari rig operator Gulf Drilling International (GDI).
Al Safliya is the first liftboat to be wholly constructed in Qatar at the Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma shipyard.
The self-propelled and elevating unit has been customised for operations in the Middle East and North Africa region in water depths of up to 65m. It has been chartered by Gulf Liftboat to work for Dolphin Energy Limited.
Nakilat’s managing director, Eng. Abdullah Al Sulaiti, said: “We are proud of the strategic relationship that we share with GDI, which resulted in recognizing these outstanding specifications of international maritime standards.
“We look forward in the future to implement these projects, which contribute to strengthening the position of Qatar in the maritime industry around the world and is a step closer to the achievement of the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Mubarak Al Hajri, CEO, GDI stated, “GDI is pleased with the quality delivered by N-KOM for the liftboat Al Safliya.
“GDI is also proud of signing its first Liftboat Services contract with Dolphin Energy, we are determined to continue this success that has been achieved in order to support the expansion of GDI business, we have been seeking to develop the liftboat segment of the business for several years and it is exciting to finally achieve this breakthrough.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with a prestigious customer like Dolphin Energy and look forward to having a long and mutually successful partnership.”
Furthermore, Mr. Ebrahim Ahmad Al-Mannai, Managing Director, Gulf International Services commented on this event, “We are looking forward for a positive impact on GDI financial position when contracting Al Safliya with the lower demand for drilling rig services, especially the offshore.”
Al Safliya liftboat is equipped with four tubular legs, a unique 200 tonne leg encircling crane and a 50 tonne pedestal crane, a large open deck space of around 800 sqm, a helideck, and accommodation capacity for 130 persons.
It can undertake a wide range of services such as well servicing, commissioning, maintenance and decommissioning of offshore platforms.
The liftboat also allows for a specially designed gangway bridge to be used for emergency and other safety purposes.
