The UAE-based Grandweld Shipyards has announced the launch of its sixth pilot boat for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)
According to a contract signed in May 2017, the MESKAN is the final boat of ten – four crew transport boats and six pilot boats – that Grandweld was required to build for KOC’s fleet.
The total number of six deliverable pilot boats has been completed with this launch. In addition, after full inspection and testing for sailing performance, the remaining four boats that were already launched before will be delivered in June 2019.
Jamal Abki, general manager of Grandweld Shipyards, said, “Through great proficiency, we have completed the building of KOC’s 10 boats before the specified deadline and it is with great pleasure that we are inaugurating the MESKAN.”
“Ensuring our clients’ utmost satisfaction and safeguarding their business opportunities are our top priorities. Despite the fact, that the agreed upon contract stipulated a speed of 22 knots for MESKAN, we have exceeded project specifications by designing and building it to reach a speed of up to 24 knots,” he added.
Sami Al-Sawagh, marine operations manager at KOC, stated, “The launch of these vessels comes at a very opportune time for KOC, as our operations have expanded exponentially.”
MESKAN is considered remarkable in build, combining both steel and aluminium in the structure of the hull to achieve greater stability in sailing, and ensuring optimal safety. In addition, the high quality materials used to manufacture the boat, hailing from the US, Europe and Japan, offer strong manoeuvrability.
The boat has a maximum speed of up to 24 knots and a sailing range of up to 250 nautical miles.
Designed to withstand the most challenging weather conditions, the ship is capable of connecting marine crews and helping ships dock around the clock. The boat’s high performance capability can be attributed to its distinctive design, which was modified several times after practical testing of a number of water pilot models. It can also work on coastal ports or offshore berths, which Kuwait owns four of.
