Having known and dealt with Grandweld Shipyards for well over twenty years, we have become familiar with the yard's high quality and innovative work and its reliable delivery schedules.
These two new fast aluminium crewboats for a compatriot UAE owner are no exception. Simple, reliable and versatile boats, they are a refinement and development of existing Grandweld designs that have proved their value over the years.
The very fact that these boats will be the eleventh and twelth Grandweld boats in the Stanford Marine fleet speaks volumes for their quality.
The crewboat hosts a number of features as explained by Jamal Abki, General Manager of Grandweld Shipyards.
"Catering to specific client needs, the vessel features a trolling mode for precision in very slow operations," he told Baird Maritime. "There is also an extra generator for redundancy, guaranteeing uninterrupted service and providing reliability for critical offshore operations."
Abki added that the vessel boasts a customisable seating area for up to 80 personnel, with the area itself easily convertible to cabins based on charter needs to offer unmatched versatility. Also, with improved bridge visibility compared to its predecessors, the new crewboat ensures enhanced navigational safety and operational oversight.
"Utilising silicon-based paints, the vessel reduces drag and fuel consumption. Special attention has also been given to maintenance access for machinery in adherence to the design philosophy of efficiency and durability, making it a robust design for offshore operations."
Abki remarked that the crewboat is also prepared for the installation of a heavy-duty deck crane, ensuring adaptability to changing charter requirements.
"It is an example of a class of Grandweld crewboats of proven reliability, exceptional speed, and substantial capacity. These result in high utilisation rates, low maintenance, and enhanced versatility."
Abki said that despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, particularly in its impact on supply chains, the Grandweld team worked to ensure the project's successful completion.
"We had a strong year in 2023, as indicated by a revenue increase of 10.5 per cent and an expanded global presence. All the while, we remained focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and on-time delivery."
Grandweld also spent the previous year developing a range of vessels including a new dive support vessel and two new OSV series in response to evolving industry needs.
"Looking ahead, we're optimistic and confident about our future, thanks to a solid orderbook from international clients and our ongoing commitment to improving maritime engineering. We are therefore focusing on decarbonisation with new hybrid crewboat designs, integrating digitalisation for enhanced efficiency, and laying the groundwork for autonomous shipping."
For Abki, the Middle Eastern workboat industry, which he said is pivotal to offshore support and exploration, is facing a wave of evolution. Driven by vast offshore reserves, there has been growing demand for vessels supporting oil, gas, and renewable energy projects like offshore wind farms.
"Investments in port infrastructure will require extensive workboat services for construction and maintenance," he told Baird Maritime. "A push for sustainability is steering the industry towards fuel efficiency and eco-friendly technologies, including LNG and hybrid systems. Digital advancements, such as IoT and automation, are set to revolutionise operations, while regional collaborations and international partnerships will foster technology exchange and vessel construction."
In Abki's view, adapting to regulatory shifts and embracing international safety and environmental standards remain critical. As competition intensifies, strategic consolidations are expected to solidify market presence, reflecting the industry's dynamic response to global trends and regional development needs.