ABB Industries, Dubai, will open a new workshop at Asry following an agreement it signed with the Bahrain ship and rig repair yard.

As well as the workshop, ABB will provide international factory warranties from Asry and provide onsite accessability for Asry customers to its worldwide service network.

ABB Industries is a division of ABB Turbocharging, a global leader in the manufacture and maintenance of turbochargers for two-stroke and four-stroke engines for various types of vessels.

The deal was signed on Asry’s side by chief executive Nils Kristian Berge and Asry technical resources and business development general manager Magdy Mustafa. Signing for ABB were its local business unit manager and area manager for the Middle East and North East Africa, John Fyfe; regional business development manager Shibu Rajamani and the head of operations and country insurance risk manager – ABB UAE and Qatar, Nandagopal K.

Berge commented that it was a “landmark agreement” by which Asry could expand its provision of quality services to a wide range of global customers. “The agreement will promote sharing of mutual benefits to enhance the business of both companies, ensure quick turbocharger service to customers in the yard, and offer one-stop ABB turbocharger solutions at Asry,” he added.

Fyfe remarked: “As per the agreement, ABB Turbocharging in Dubai will provide international factory warranties to all service jobs done at Asry, including dedicated machines and engineers at a workstation within the shipyard facility. Asry will also benefit from the worldwide accessibility, rapid response and cutting-edge expertise of ABB’s service network, which comprises more than a hundred service stations in over 50 countries. Given the strategic importance of Asry to our mutual customers, this initiative provides onsite accessibility to key equipment required for the overhaul of turbochargers, thus allowing for quick turnaround times and onsite technical support round the clock”.

Mustafa said the agreement makes a positive contribution to Bahrain and provides training and job opportunities to Bahrainis on new types of specialised activities and skills.

“The agreement is mutually beneficial to both parties. Asry will make available ABB’s expertise and experience to its customers at affordable prices, and ABB will widen its global presence with a dedicated service point in Asry and a new base in Bahrain to grow its business,” Asry said.