Oman Drydock Company (ODC) and the UK’s Babcock International Group (BIG), a leading engineering support services company, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at jointly developing a naval capability in Duqm, Oman.

The signing follows a period of concentrated efforts to bring together ODC’s well-established commercial shipyard and Babcock’s international naval support expertise with a vision to create a joint venture capable of providing local and international navies with world-class engineering services in a very strategic location.

Babcock Warship support director Mike Whalley said the venture is an important positive step towards a common goal, and the company is fully committed to developing the initiative with ODC.

ODC’s deputy CEO for operations, Dr Ahmed Al Abri, noted that the agreement consolidates the strategy to expand the scope of Oman Dry Dock services to reach a wider customer segment locally and internationally.

He added that the JV seeks to implement best practices in the maritime sector through specialised quality services for commercial and naval customers in a constant pursuit to be the best shipyard in the region.

ODC was established in September 2006 with 100 per cent investment from the Omani government and is operated by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Company Limited (DSME) of Korea. 

The company presents among its advantages its strategic location, world-class yard facilities, technical support from DSME and integrated services.