Duqm dry dock set to receive its first vessel next month

Oman Dry-Dock Company (ODC) is set to welcome its first vessel for repairs next month, effectively marking the trial launch of its world-class ship repair yard at Duqm on the Wusta coast.

While most of the facilities set out in the Original Contract for the infrastructure development of the dry dock are essentially in place, some additional works will be completed in due course, according to state-owned company. Power supply to the facility will commence this month, but the project's water requirements will initially be met through temporary supplies pending the completion of permanent supply facilities sometime next year.
Also due for completion next month are facilities for sanitation and communications, as well as a host of entertainment facilities including health clubs and sports amenities. However, the road network serving the facility is yet to be completed, it is learnt.
When fully operational, the Duqm dry dock project will also boast a range of facilities, including fresh water tanks, electric substations, and internal and external communication services for operations and communications with port control, ship crew, and so on.
The project's development also entails the implementation of 17 major superstructure projects, related to the supply, installation and commissioning of equipment and plants for dry dock operations.
Also due for completion next month is a range of contracts for the supply and installation of workshop equipment and plants designed to produce gas (CO2, oxygen, and so on) to be used in cutting and welding of steel and so on.
High-tech voltage control and electricity distribution gear capable of handling loads of up to 30 MW have been installed at the yard. Also due to be brought into operation next month is an Air Compressor Plant that will be deployed primarily in the surfacing cleaning of ships, as well as a Wastewater Treatment Plan, which will treat wastewater received from dry-docked ships for potential re-use.
These facilities and services are in addition to the installation of utilities for distribution of water, collection of sewage, chemical treatment, and other facilities necessary to support the smooth operation of the dry dock.
Conceived as a fully integrated ship repair services hub, the Duqm dry dock features a pair of graving docks each of a world-scale 410-metres' length. The graving docks are large enough to accommodate merchant ships of all sizes, including Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs), fourth and fifth generation container ships, and other vessels of a maximum capacity of 600,000 DWT.
Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME), one of the world's biggest shipbuilders, is ODC's strategic partner in the operation and management of the yard.