RasGas’ ship “Simaisma” first to enter N-KOM’s new dry dock in Ras Laffan

N-KOM’s (Nakilat-Keppel Offshore Marine) new state-of-the-art dry dock at Ras Laffan Port has received its first ship - the RasGas’ chartered LNG Vessel, Simaisma. This historic event marks a newphase for the RasGas fleet and RasGas’ drive to ensure the security and reliability of LNG supply.

RasGas chartered vessel, Simaisma, with its 23-strong crew, Captain Ilias-Chrysovaladis Kattidenios and Technical Director Mr Andreas Spertos of Maran Gas Maritime were greeted by Mr Tom Mc Hale, RasGas’ Acting Managing Director and his wife Mrs Sinead Mc Hale who is the ship’s sponsor. Together, they jointly presented a gift to Captain Ilias-Chrysovaladis Kattidenios in commemoration of this first dry docking at the new facilities.

Tom Mc Hale stated: “This is an important milestone for RasGas, our shipping operations and the country, placing Qatar at the forefront of not only regional, but global port development and the shipping industry.”

RasGas' chartered LNG fleet is an integral part of the company's LNG supply chain and strategically, one of the most important links to ensure secure and reliable delivery of LNG to RasGas' global customer bases. These LNG ships are specifically designed to handle the low temperature of LNG, as the safe transportation of the liquefied gas is essential. The RasGas fleet contains Conventional, Q-Flex and Q-Max Vessels that are double-hulled to provide a double barrier for cargo protection, making RasGas’ LNG Vessels some of the safest and most advanced on the seas.

To ensure the highest standards in safety, the RasGas fleet of 27 vessels demands regular maintenance and has, until recently, required periodic dry docking abroad asQatar did not have the necessary facilities. The completion of N-KOM’s new facility inRas Laffan Port reduces the need for docking in foreign ports for maintenance and repair – further underlining RasGas’ position as a secure and reliable supplier of LNG with a sustainable model that ensures the integrity of their supply chain.

“RasGas aims to provide fast, secure and cost-efficient shipping solutions to its clients. The new dry dock at N-KOM facilitates this and is another first for Qatar” added Mc Hale.

N-KOM Dry Dock was completed in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the docking of RasGas’ Simaisma represents the first in a number of phases that will see this dry docking facility grow into one of the largest in the world, providing maintenance and repair services for vessels in various industries as well as ship building facilities.
Source: RASGAS