Drydocks World adds Dubai FPSO Quay

Drydocks World--Dubai has added a new two-berth FPSO Quay, significantly increasing its conversion capacity.

The recently completed Berths 9 and 10 are now fully operational and have recently accommodated the 380 m long TI Asia, Abuzar and Spring Bow for conversion works.

The new FPSO Quay is located on the lee face of the main breakwater. It has a total length of 668 m and a dredged depth of Ð11 m DMD (Chart Datum) over a length of 630 m. Each new berth is more than 59 m wide and is projected to increase the shipyard's conversion capacity by two vessels per year.

The completion of Berths 9 and 10 enables the shipyard to provide more lay-down and fabrication areas for the conversion of 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 much-needed additional space to meet growing customer 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, reflecting its highest technical expertise and yard capability. TI Asia has a deadweight of 441,893 metric tons and Dubai is among the very few ports in the world that can accommodate it.