N-KOM, one of the youngest shipyards of the Gulf, has notched up several achievements since beginning operations in Qatar in 2011.

Notwithstanding huge competition in the region with several experienced players in the field, N-KOM – an abbreviation of Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine – has come into its own, offering repair, conversion and construction services for marine vessels and offshore and onshore structures.

The company was first in the world to complete a main engine gas injection (MEGI) retrofit for a STASCo-operated LNG carrier Rasheeda to enable it to run on LNG as an alternative fuel. The modified Q-Max vessel has the world’s first low-speed marine diesel engine that can also run on LNG. Integration and completion work was carried out at the shipyard, with modifications made using MAN Diesel & Turbo’s proprietary ME-GI (M-Type Electronically Controlled Gas Injection) system that will help vessel engines meet current and future emissions standards set by the IMO. 

“The use of ME-GI as an alternative will allow a cleaner fuel technology with a significant reduction in environmental emissions, cleaner burning engines with potential to increase mean time between maintenance, provide flexibility of fuel supply to react to market changes and reduced bunkering activities which in turn will offer operations and marine risk reduction,” a company spokesperson said. 

One of the key projects of N-KOM was installation of the second Ballast Water Management System (BWMS). Installation of Samsung’s electrolysis-type Purimar BWMS as well as mechanical and electrical work was executed during the docking period of the Q-MAX-sized LNG carrier Aamira at the shipyard.

The scope entailed extensive piping work amounting to 300 spools of varying diameters and lengths, inserting power and control cables and making switchboard modifications.

The company has performed serious work for a range of carriers. For example it completed a number of Schneekluth and Mewis duct installations for VLCCs, Suezmaxes, Aframaxes and LPG carriers. “Known to significantly reduce vibration and fuel consumption of vessels, thereby enhancing their propulsion efficiency and voyage performance, Schneekluth and Mewis ducts are especially popular with our Greek clients,” explained the spokesperson. 

And earlier this year, N-KOM successfully delivered its first lift boat unit Al Safliya to client Gulf Drilling International. 

N-KOM delivered the liftboat Al Safliya to client Gulf Drilling International

“The liftboat marked a key operational milestone in N-KOM’s history as it is not only the yard’s first new build but also the first liftboat to be built entirely in Qatar,” said the spokesman. Designed to Bennett Offshore’s ORCA 2500 specifications, the self-propelled and self-elevating liftboat has been customised for operations in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region in water depths of up to 65 m.  The liftboat has a helideck, a 50 tonnes pedestal crane, open deck space of about 800 sq m and accommodation for up to 130 people.

N-KOM has several advantages including its location in a country that will hold the 2022 soccer World Cup, the most popular game in the world. While scores of vessels will be transporting project material for the tournament’s infrastructure, the possibility that some may need repairs always exists. N-KOM is well positioned to help craft in need. Then there are the many vessels that call at Qatar’s ports in normal times delivering cargo for oil and gas installations, factories and distribution firms catering to supermarkets. Having a shipyard in the vicinity is a great advantage. N-KOM, for its part has the support of one of Qatar’s prime companies, Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat), and also the experience of Singapore-based Keppel Offshore & Marine (KOM).

SPECIALIST PARTNERS

In its bid to offer top-calibre professional services, N-KOM has requisitioned the services of engineering firms that will be on call when needs arise.

Last April it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Goltens Co Ltd (Dubai). Goltens will cooperate in providing services such as overhauls and repairs of main engines, turbochargers, fuel equipment, engine controls and supplies of associated spare parts.

Chandu Rajwani, N-KOM’s chief executive, said the agreement marked yet another milestone achievement for the Qatar firm. He highlighted that Goltens’ renowned services would value-add to N-KOM’s marine repair business and put in place a long and fruitful relationship between the two companies.

The Goltens choice was apt. The firm has been providing services to the Qatar-based LNG fleet for several years. Its managing director Thomas Boyle recalled that Goltens had worked alongside N-KOM on many projects in support of vessel owners and technical managers and was pleased with the way the relationship had developed over the years.

With an eye on staying competitive in the region’s professionally mature shipyards business, N-KOM is sparing no efforts to bring the best talents and skills to the fore from the far-flung corners of the world. Included in its portfolio of partners are stalwart names such as MAN Diesel, Wärtsilä, Turbo Technik and Wilhelmsen Ships Services. 

Wärtsilä, for example, is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. Following an agreement, Wärtsilä and N-KOM will work together to improve business opportunities on repair and maintenance services for marine vessels and offshore and onshore structures in Qatar. “Having Wärtsilä operate within our premises, offering in-demand marine services such as main engine piston crown reconditioning and chrome plating, allows us to better respond to the needs of our customers as we strive towards becoming the preferred shipyard delivering solutions,” said Rajwani.

ANGELICOUSSIS GROUP

N-KOM is ensuring it will have work coming its way. One of its contract wins was signing up with Angelicoussis Group which makes it the preferred shipyard for repairs in the Middle East. All vessels operating under the group’s three ship management companies will be serviced at the Qatar yard in Ras Laffan.

The agreement also underlined the cementing of ties between Angelicoussis and Qatar, the group being an important partner in Nakilat’s expansion and growth over the years. Angelicoussis owns and operates the largest fleet of vessels in Greece – more than 110.

John Angelicoussis, the group’s CEO, said the association was being extended because “we are very satisfied with the high quality of repairs executed by N-KOM for our vessels.”

Such exclamations of appreciation go a long way in building N-KOM’s business prospects.

UPGRADES

The company is building its infrastructure to stay in the race for contracts. In an upgrade last year, it installed a brand new VLCC-size floating dock with capacity of 120,000 tonnes and measuring 405 m x 66 m. This was in addition to the existing two VLCC-size graving docks in operation. The expansion allows N-KOM to carry out three dockings simultaneously offering greater flexibility in scheduling dockings.

The spokesperson highlighted that N-KOM has established electrical, mechanical and LNG flying squads to complement its drydocking services. The additional capabilities make it possible for N-KOM to reach out to vessels that are in voyage or at anchorage.