Shipping Arabia, October 12, 2026 – Oman’s Asyad Drydock completed 130 projects and attracted 56 new international clients during the first eight months of 2026, bringing its total commercial client base to approximately 900 worldwide. The results highlight Duqm’s growing role as a maritime services and industrial hub, supported by specialized ship repair facilities and integration with the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.
The Asyad Group subsidiary completed 119 vessel repair and maintenance projects and 11 industrial projects during the reporting period. According to Asyad Drydock CEO Ahmed bin Ali Al Balushi, approximately 40% of the new clients came from markets in the Middle East and Far East.
The company’s expanding international customer base reflects the development of Duqm’s maritime services sector, which connects ship repair facilities with port services and industrial activities.
Asyad Drydock Sets New Operational Records
Asyad Drydock achieved several operational milestones during 2026, including a new record for concurrent vessel berthing during maintenance operations. The company completed 10 double-berthing maintenance operations for the first time, positioning two vessels side by side at the quay and servicing them simultaneously.
According to Al Balushi, this approach improved quay utilization and enabled the facility to handle more maintenance projects in parallel. It also allowed the company to make more efficient use of its existing infrastructure.
In another operational milestone, Asyad Drydock conducted maintenance and repair work on 27 vessels simultaneously. This achievement demonstrated the facility’s capacity to manage multiple projects while coordinating its technical workforce and repair operations.
Floating Dock Activity Expands as Shipbuilding Projects Advance
The company’s floating dock also recorded a substantial increase in activity during the reporting period. By the end of August 2026, the facility had serviced 13 vessels, compared with just two during the corresponding period in 2025.
The increased utilization of the floating dock has strengthened Asyad Drydock’s vessel maintenance capabilities and expanded its ability to accommodate repair projects.
Meanwhile, the company continues to develop its shipbuilding activities alongside its established repair and maintenance operations.
Asyad Drydock is currently undertaking two new shipbuilding projects for different applications. These projects follow the successful completion and delivery of three shipbuilding projects to customers in Oman and other Gulf markets in recent years.
The combination of vessel maintenance, industrial projects and shipbuilding activities forms part of the broader maritime services ecosystem developing in Duqm.
OMR 19 Million in Contracts Supports Omani Businesses
The expansion of Asyad Drydock’s operations is also generating business opportunities for local companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
During the first eight months of 2026, the company awarded contracts and purchase orders worth OMR 6.5 million to SMEs. Local companies received a further OMR 12.5 million in contracts and purchase orders.
Together, these awards totaled OMR 19 million, with local procurement accounting for 81% of the overall value of contracts awarded during the reporting period.
Al Balushi said the company’s expanding activities were strengthening domestic supply chains and creating additional opportunities for Omani businesses involved in ship repair, maintenance, shipbuilding and related industries.
The contract awards also reflect the growing participation of Omani companies in the maritime services and industrial activities associated with the Duqm facility.
Duqm Strengthens Its Position as an Integrated Maritime Hub
Asyad Drydock’s performance forms part of the continuing development of maritime services and industries within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.
The area’s maritime ecosystem combines port services, ship repair and maintenance facilities, shipbuilding operations and related industrial activities. This integration supports the delivery of specialized maritime services to international vessels and fleets.
Al Balushi said the continued development of these services was helping Duqm attract maritime business from international markets.
The company’s project activity, operational achievements and investment in local supply chains underline the role of ship repair and shipbuilding in Duqm’s expanding maritime economy.
Source: Oman Observer
