Image Courtesy: Sohar Drydock Company

Oman Drydock Company (ODC) has welcomed Sohar Max - the largest vessel to enter the facility since it opened in 2011 – for a specialist dry docking project.

The 400,000 dwt iron ore carrier, which features a length of 360 meters and a width of 65 meters, is currently undergoing an 11-day maintenance at the drydock located in the city of Duqm, the Governate of Al Wusta.

“Maintenance work on the Sohar Max is now well underway and will be completed to a tight time schedule. It involves complex repair and maintenance work. Key areas of delivery include painting, replacement of consumable parts, repairing defective parts and carrying out other works related to technological aspects,” Ahmed Al Abri, ODC Acting CEO, explained.

Al Abri said the dry dock is also preparing for another project with Sohar Max sister ship, iron ore giant Liwa Max, in the coming months. Both vessels are owned by Oman Shipping Company (OSC).

“In the last six years, we have formed a strong alliance with OSC which is one of the largest shipping companies in the Gulf. The Sohar Max is the latest in a series of successful projects delivered for OSC dating back to 2011 when we received the VLGC Muscat. This was followed by a collection of other OSC vessels including Manah, Saham, Mirbat, Al A’mirat and Sumail,” Al Abri said.

Since 2011, the ODC received more than 460 vessels, according to Al Abri.

“While initially largely focused on repair we are now very much geared up and actively seeking new build and conversion work,” he concluded.