Nakilat -Keppel Offshore & Marine (N-KOM) has delivered its first liftboat to Qatari rig operator Gulf Drilling International (GDI).
N-KOM, a joint venture shipyard between Qatar’s Nakilat and Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M), said the liftboat Al-Safliya was delivered to GDI in a safe and timely manner without any lost-time incident.
Al-Safliya is the first liftboat to be wholly constructed in Qatar at the Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard. The self-propelled and elevating unit has been customised for operations in the Middle East and North Africa region in water depths of up to 65 m.
Nakilat managing director Abdullah Al Sulaiti said the liftboat was the latest among more than 20 projects of repair, maintenance and modification projects that his company had accomplished for GDI.
“We are proud of the strategic relationship that we share with Gulf Drilling International Limited, which has resulted in recognising these outstanding specifications of international maritime standards,” he remarked. Al Sulaiti also stated his company looked forward to implementing many more projects that would strengthen Qatar’s position in the maritime industry and bring it closer to realising Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Mubarak Al Hajri, chief executive officer of GDI, stated, “GDI is pleased with the quality delivered by N-KOM for the liftboat Al-Safliya. GDI is also proud of signing its first liftboat services contract with Dolphin Energy. We are determined to continue this success that has been achieved in order to support the expansion of GDI business. We have been seeking to develop the liftboat segment of the business for several years and it is exciting to finally achieve this breakthrough. We welcome the opportunity to work with a prestigious customer like Dolphin Energy and look forward to having a long and mutually successful partnership.”
Al-Safliya is equipped with four tubular legs, a unique 200 t leg encircling crane, a 50 t pedestal crane, open deck space of around 800 sq m, a helideck, and accommodation capacity for 130 persons. It can undertake a wide range of services such as well servicing, commissioning, maintenance and decommissioning of offshore platforms. The liftboat also allows for a specially designed gangway bridge to be used for emergency and other safety purposes.
