Recognized as one of the leading industrial companies in Kuwait and the region, Heavy Engineering Industries & Shipbuilding Co. “HEISCO”, is planning another year of success along with enhancing its facilities.
Eng. Salem Marafi, Operations and Business Development Manager at HEISCO, spoke to Robban Assafina Magazine in an exclusive interview, about HEISCO’s main project, the Panamax size floating dock, which is set to boost the regional ship repair & building industry.
“The project has been on hold for 4 years, because it basically depends on many parties and certain approvals, but now we are hopeful that things will move faster by mid of 2018, and thus start upgrading the dock, which needs around 3 years again to be ready”, Marafi said. “We are sure that accomplishing this project will be a quantum leap for the company and will take HEISCO to the next level.”
He explained: “Our yard will then include docks for vessels up to Panamax size. This will open new markets, and attracts new customers; currently we are able to serve 35000 DWT ships with our floating dock of 190 meter in length and 32 meter, along with a syncrolift of 5000 DWT capacity, 90 meters long and 20 meters wide”.
2018: A Great Start
Speaking of HEISCO’s current status, Eng. Marafi showed optimism, saying: “The final quarter of 2017 was very good. We are in a great position now; the overall works at the shipyard average around 75%, which is a great start for 2018. This has become even better with the arrival of the landing craft from Kuwait Navy, and maritime units from Hyundai, where the latter intends to transform a barge into a cement factory. The shipyard’s work will then be full scale 95-100%. Thus, I can say that it is an optimistic outlook for 2018.”
Green
On the other hand and based on HEISCO’s frequent participation in Local and international events with well-thought-of ideas regarding the green environment, Marafi confirmed that the company will be present at this year’s Seatrade Maritime Middle East 2018 exhibition in Dubai, as well as the Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa.
“HEISCO will be sponsoring Table Gifts, as well as the Green Shipping award for the third year, since our primary concern is a clean green environment” according to Marafi.
Recognition
In parallel, Marafi proudly spoke of the United States’ recognition to HEISCO, where the company recently received a letter of gratitude and appreciation from the US Army. “The US Army handles 530 contractors from shipbuilders and other service providers. HEISCO ranks in the top three of best contractors, in terms of services and quality, as well as the supply of technical personnel,” Marafi confirmed.
Training: A priority
In the same context, Marafi stressed on the importance of training programs, which comes in at number one. “We invest in people and I can assure you that no shipyard in the region has similar intensive training programs that HEISCO has. Our training unit works closely on developing personal and professional skills for the entire staff, despite of their position and task. Every employee at HEISCO undergoes at least one training session a year inside or outside Kuwait.” Marafi concluded.