Asry delivers new ‘Landing Craft’ to Bahrain Coast Guard

Manama : A ‘Landing Craft’ built indigenously by Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) was handed over to the Bahrain Coast Guard (BCG) yesterday. 

The vessel was approved and received by BCG Brigadier Ala Abdulla Seyadi, with Asry Acting Chief Executive Magdy Moustafa, and other Asry and BCG officials at a ceremony following a final sea-trial around the waters of Asry. Construction of the ‘Landing Craft’ began in September 2015. 

The project also marks Asry’s first new build contract since launching the New Construction & Engineering division, which is tasked with growing the new construction programme at the yard. 

The landing craft is 34.5m in length, with 2 x 500 KW engines, and a top speed of 11.2 knots and displacement of 437 tonnes. Asry had previously built Offshore support vessels, ASD tugs and power barges.

Commenting on the launch, Asry Acting Chief Executive, Magdy Moustafa said, “The vessel is now fully delivered, with a VIP commissioning ceremony due in coming weeks.” 

Expressing Asry’s keenness in working closely with the BCG and Ministry of Interior in the future, Moustafa said Asry hopes that “this will be a starting point for more homegrown construction projects”.

He also said that the project has given Asry the chance to prove its capabilities in the construction sector. 

BCG Brigadier Ala Abdulla Seyadi, while attending the final sea trial, said he is impressed with the Asry’s workmanship and professionalism. 

“The cooperation on this project has been very effective and encouraging,” he said. 

On the technical side, Asry’s New Construction and Engineering Senior Manager, Sauvir Sarkar, who is overseeing the project said the technical journey to this point for Asry has been a very rewarding exercise “with Asry’s experience meeting the high technical standards of the Bahrain Coast Guard.”

Lieutenant Colonel Jahangir Sarwar, Project Manager from Bahrain Coast Guard highlighted that the project has set a new milestone for new vessel construction in Bahrain.