The operations at Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard at Ras Laffan are in full swing with seven LNG carriers being dry-docked at the facility, leveraging Qatar’s position as the world’s biggest LNG exporter.
The state-of-the-art shipyard is owned by Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine (N-KOM) and is one of the world’s largest LNG ship repair facilities.
As part of the Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard, N-KOM has successfully completed marine, offshore and onshore projects for both local and international clients, with LNG repairs making up almost half of these projects.
The seven LNG carriers Al Jasra, Al Bidda, Al Wajbah, Dukhan, Al Gharrafa, Al Rayyan and Al Thumama — are undergoing drydocking repairs, including the overhauling of the main engine, valves, pumps and other general repairs and maintenance.
Most of these vessels are jointly owned by a consortium of Japanese shipping companies- Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd (MOL), Nippon Yusen Kaisha Line (NYK), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd (K Line), with Al Gharrafa being technically managed by OSG Shipmanagement (UK) Ltd.
MOL LNG Ship management fleet manager Shinji Ono said: “MOL has previously repaired three LNG carriers in N-KOM. The shipyard’s commitment to delivering quality and timely services made it an obvious choice for us when it came to drydocking another three LNG carriers with them this time round.”
Qatargas head of operations (Fleet 1) Djamel Mokhtefi, who is overseeing the drydocking and repairs of the five QG1 and one Q-flex vessel said: “Qatargas has had a longstanding partnership with N-KOM, with a significant portion of our fleet being serviced by the yard. We continue to be impressed with the high level of quality and professionalism demonstrated.”
N-KOM chief executive officer Abu Bakar said, “N-KOM is honoured to have the support and trust of our valued customers and we look forward to many more of such collaborations in the future.”
Source: Gulf Times