The deal of undisclosed value is the latest in a series of contracts for the Dubai-based shipbuilder's 42-metre design. They include three such vessels for Global Marine and another for Wesal Shipping.
It is further evidence of Grandweld's strong flow of repeat business – Maroos took delivery of a 38-metre aluminium vessel from Grandweld about a year ago. The new vessel, capable of 25 knots plus, will have capacity for 83 passengers accommodated in luxury seating and space for VIPs. A 110 square metre deck space will have capacity for up to 90 tonnes of cargo.
The latest deal is a further sign that last October's move from relatively cramped conditions in Al Jadaf to a spacious new facility in Dubai Maritime City (DMC) is paying dividends. Grandweld recently announced a $50m contract for four crane workboats for the Kuwait Oil Company. The company is also bidding for up to four more seismic support vessels for Bourbon. The first of six such units for the offshore operator is due to deliver in April, according to a yard source. He was not able to comment on the possible two, option two deal which Bourbon is currently considering.
General Manager Jamal Abki is upbeat about the future. Speaking to Seatrade recently, he said that Grandweld's new facilities in DMC, which include seven covered building workshops with capacity to built up to 21 vessels, depending on size, put the company on a new footing. A new strategy of geographical diversification is currently being considered, with Europe a key target market.
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