(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Grandweld Shipyard opened its Dh100 million new facility at the company's new location at Dubai Maritime City, or DMC, on Tuesday that will double its annual production capacity.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, inaugurated the new facility.
The company's order book has a backlog of around 100 million from the region, Grandweld Shipyards general manager Jamal Abki told reporters after the opening ceremony. Abki mentioned that there is a very good demand in the region and outside the region. More demand is coming for security requirements, he added.
Over the years, the company has experienced a rapid growth which has necessitated the expansion to a larger facility.
The company has invested approximately Dh100 million to expand its manufacturing and production area to double its annual capacity. Spreading over 55,000 square metres, Grandweld's new facility offers a modern shipbuilding infrastructure; featuring 13,500 square metres covered and insulated shipbuilding yard with overhead cranes, 28,000 open yard, 4000sqm modern offices, CNC shop and piping shop, and 5000sqm storage area. With its new location strategically situated in the heart of Dubai with easy access to the Gulf, Grandweld is considered the largest shipbuilder in the region.
"Grandweld's new facility has been designed with premium green building technologies and standards, and has achieved the "LEED GOLD Rating" making it the first marine green building in the MENA region," Abki explained.
"We are delighted that Grandweld has chosen to be part of the exclusive community of premium companies within DMC and supporting the growth of the maritime industry. Their advocacy of green building technologies would definitely provide an impetus to promoting sustainable environment-friendly developments in the region,"said Khamis Juma Buamim, chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World.
