Mubasher: Qatar Navigation “Milaha” on Sunday announced major expansion plans for its shipyard facilities as the firm eyes further growth in current and new markets.
Milaha has selected UK-based Royal Haskoning DHV, a leading independent, international project management and engineering consultancy firm from its expansion and development plans, it said in a statement to the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE).
Commenting on the award and upcoming expansions, Milaha President and CEO Abdulrahman Essa Al-Mannai said that the phased shipyard upgrade will support the firm’s business strategy and increase its shipyard market share in four diversified target market sectors.
There will be “minimal disruption to the ongoing operations at the facility,” the top official noted, indicating that once completed, the shipyard’s efficiency and capacity in handling ship repair works of larger and more complex size will increase, which will allow Milaha to better focus on industrial business support and ensure world-class solutions for its customers.
The shipyard upgrade is set to commence in early 2019 and be completed by third quarter of 2020, Milaha revealed.
“The planned upgrades include a new larger floating dock, larger and enhanced workshops and an overall revamping of the facilities aimed to the introduction of unique services to support specialized areas of Qatar ongoing development,” Al-Mannai stated.
It is worth noting that since its establishment in 1978, Milaha’s strategically-located Shipyard has repaired 8,000 vessels including regional and international ship-owners.
Meanwhile, Royal Haskoning DHV CEO Erik Oostwegel said his firm was “honoured” to be selected by Milaha Shipyard for this major upgrade investment, which will meet challenges for the next 40 years.
Milaha’s Shipyard also serves industrial markets by providing maintenance, shutdown, fabrication and workshops services.
Milaha did not disclose the value of its award to Royal Haskoning DHV.
Qatar-listed Milaha last reported a 7.3% year-on-year profit rise to QAR 103 million in the third quarter of 2018 from QAR 96 million.
