Drydocks World group now poised to become a marine industry giant

It is now firmly established as a leading and expanding international player in ship repair, conversion, new building and other marine related activities.

Geoff Taylor, CEO of Drydocks World, said Drydocks World will monitor, control and set procedures in respect of finance, HR and other common functions in group companies. Those in the group at present include Drydocks World Dubai, which is an amalgamation of Dubai Drydocks and Jadaf, Drydocks World Singapore, formerly Pan United Marine, Drydocks World Batam, a green field development in Indonesia, Platinum Yachts FZ and Platinum Yacht management.

Drydocks World Dubai is the complete amalgamation of Jadaf Shipyard and Dubai Drydocks. These companies started operations in 1979 and 1983 respectively, and, from humble beginnings have grown to become international and regional leaders in their own fields. Jadaf have always served the smaller vessel owners whilst Dubai Drydocks, with the largest repair docks in the world, have focused on the upper end of the market.

Hamed Bin Lahej, COO of Drydocks World, explained that the huge investment in Drydocks World Dubai, which now boasts 3 graving docks, two floating docks, a 120 metre load in / out hydra lift, a 3,000 and 6,0000 tonne shiplift, 44 dry berths, three of which are covered for mega yacht building and repair, a 700 tonne yacht lifter, and 6 kilometers of wet berths will further establish Dubai as a major maritime hub. This ship repair, conversion and new building group will be able to service vessels of any shape or size from VLCC's, offshore structures right down to water taxis and privately owned pleasure craft.

Platinum Yachts, established in 2002, is responsible for the completion of the 163 metre mega yacht MY Dubai and is currently engaged in two further mega yacht projects and a number of repair and refitting contracts. Once the company is moved to new purpose built premises within Dubai Maritime City, they will be completing two 80 metere yachts, the hulls of which will be constructed in the Drydocks World Dubai Ship building yard.

Platinum Yacht management will be focusing on attracting business from the increasing number of residents and visitors who will need yacht support services in this region. These services would include, but not be limited to, berths, insurance, stores and technical support through other group companies. With the increasing number of luxury water front developments, a growth in urban population and the ideal conditions for winter cruising in the Gulf, it is obvious that this business has huge potential.

Drydocks World Singapore, the most recent acquisition for the group, is completely aligned with the activities and expansion plans of Drydocks World. Well placed in one of the busiest waterways in the world customers can now repair their ships in the Middle East or Singapore, confident that they will receive the same quality repairs and customer care in both locations. This business unit has an exceptional reputation in the new building sector and currently has a full order book for offshore supply, and similar vessels, until 2012.

The Dubai World Group was formed to amalgamate all of Dubai World's maritime activity into one consolidated entity with each business unit complementing the other. With the major economic development in Dubai, which now positions it as a significant player in the marine sector, this was an obvious move forward. To make best use of all of resources certain administrative changes are needed to ensure that productivity and efficiency are improved whilst still providing a first class service to our customers.

With a workforce of over 11,000 people, in Dubai alone, and the opening of the new shiplift facility at Dubai Maritime City, the previous impressive statistics which both companies have returned will now combine to contribute even better results. Having such a broad range of skills, with solid experience across all sectors of the business and the dramatic increase in the world's fleets, Drydocks World group is poised to become a marine industry giant.