European operators spend big at ASRY

The demand for dock space has been exceptionally high during the first three months, with 59 confirmed bookings taken, up 23% on the previous year. Total sales revenue generated was the highest ever recorded for ASRY, up by some 114% on the same period last year, coming in at $ 89.4m, more than doubling the $42.6m recorded last year.

The Arab markets contributed sales of $26m whilst European operators came in with $33m. The largest increase by far was obtained through the Americas, North and South, with sales up by more than 400% to $22.6m.

There were 30 vessels repaired in ASRY during this period with a value of $32.9m. An encouraging feature has been the steady increase in the actual values of repairs completed on each vessel. This has consistently risen over the last six months and, with the current level of high demand, looks to continue throughout the rest of the year. Based on the current level of enquiries and bookings, which now stretch into the end of the year, ASRY expects to have another record year with sales of well over $143m.

There were a total of twelve tankers repaired during this first quarter and, as usual with the ever increasing volume of land reclamation work taking place in the Gulf region, the demand for dredger repairs has been constant.

The demand for specialist services to offshore vessels remains high, with contracts completed on offshore lay barges, drill rigs and support vessels. ASRY Offshore Services is now starting to generate a lot of interest from oil companies, drilling rig operators and construction companies.

This market was due to grow dramatically pick with the recent opening of two new slipways which are being targeted at offshore supply boat operators. The new facilities are capable of handling all such requirements for specialist vessels, ranging from supply boats through to anchor handlers, pipe-carriers, crew boats and DSVs.

The new slipways will handle a maximum vessel length of 140m, a breadth of 20m and a displacement of 5,000 tons. This facility will significantly increase ASRY’s ship repair market share for small and medium size vessels of around 15,000 dwt .

The demand for blasting and painting has remained high, with some 1.2m sq/m of painting being completed. Some 260,000 sq/m of blasting was also undertaken. There were 24 boiler repairs undertaken during the quarter, an increase of 100% on the same period last year. Steel repairs were consistent with a yard of this size, with 2,043 tons of steel being used.