Bahrain's Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (Asry) said a major initiative to boost in-yard technical resources has seen several global contractors invest in the company.

Asry chief executive Nils Kristian Berge said "Project Jupiter" includes the construction of new workshops, signing of agreements with new subcontractors, and improvement of the already extensive list of on-site specialist contractors.

As a part of the project, corporate restructuring is also being rolled out at the company throughout the year, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The new corporate structure will streamline the yard's focus and consolidate customers' understanding of Asry's primary strengths.

These are renowned marine repair expertise adhering to the highest safety and operational excellence with globally recognised quality accreditation.

"This will have a double impact in that Asry will become a hub for industrial services in the region, and subsequently be able to provide a one-stop-shop for marine customers who will have all their requirements met in a single location," Mr Berge said.

An annual review revealed that 2013 was another strong year of growth for the ship and rig repair yard, with the first three quarters in particular witnessing close to perpetual drydock maximum capacity.

The first quarter of the year saw Asry post the highest revenues for a single quarter in its 36-year history, which is a powerful testament to the swing in momentum achieved since the global financial crisis that affected the shipping industry in 2009.

"The year in review was the fourth year of consecutive revenue growth, and lays a strong foundation from which to refine the company going forward," Mr Berge said.

Last year saw the completion of all infrastructure work for the new 1.4km quay.

"In order to provide full spectrum services to vessels berthed alongside the new quay, new infrastructure networks were embedded in the build, including electrical power, compressed air, fresh water, general service water, fire-fighting systems and IT systems.

"With these now complete, the new quay is a state-of the-art alongside berth capable of servicing vessels of virtually any size and type," Berge added.

Asry also completed construction of a fleet of four new state-of-the-art Azimuth Stern Drive tugs.

Berge said this will not only improve the yard's vessel shifting to optimum levels, but also demonstrate its growing capabilities in small vessel construction, an area of future growth.

The year also saw the completion of a new zero-waste sewage treatment plant, which can treat the entire yards sewage to fresh water standards, which can then be used for landscaping purposes.

"The plant adopts moving bed biofilm reactor (technology that is another boost to Asry's award-winning environmental reputation," he said.

Last year also saw the installation of $1.5m automated blasting and painting machine,. 'This will improve the productivity and quality of steel plate treatments and profiles, ensuring customers receive the highest standard of finishes on their vessels," he added.-TradeArabia News Service