A gala event was organised at Al Bustan Palace yesterday to mark this auspicious occasion and to launch the new website of ODC. The event was held under the auspices of Yahya bin Said al Jabri, Chairman of the Special Economic Zone Authority, Duqm.
Titled ‘Vision to Reality, A Year of Success’, the event celebrated the success of one of Oman’s most prestigious projects, which is poised to make Duqm a thriving economic and social development hub. It was in April 2011 that, after years of meticulous planning and construction, ODC launched the soft operations of its state-of-the-art dry dock facility in Duqm, thereby contributing to Oman’s march towards economic diversification.
Said bin Hamdoon al Harthy, Chairman of Oman Drydock Company and Under-Secretary of Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, welcomed the gathering. Commenting on ODC’s one year of successful soft operations, Al Harthy said, “Today marks the celebration of one of the most successful economic achievements in the Sultanate. ‘Vision to Reality’ reflects ODC’s march towards strengthening His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’s vision of diversified development and inclusive growth. Within a short span of time, ODC has been able to build its unique brand in a highly competitive dry dock market by utilising local and international marketing and media channels.”
Since it started operation in April 2011, ODC has repaired more than 80 vessels of various types and sizes, he said. “And in 2012 we are looking to receive more than 100 ships and tankers. For this, we are cashing in on our human expertise and material resources, and the unique operation and management of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co (DSME). We are also proud to have employed more than 1000 Omanis and prepared a comprehensive plan to train them in some of the biggest dry docks in Korea and Romania.”
The event also celebrated ODC’s best-in-the-class health and safety standards and quality management system which enabled the company to win the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Services (OHSAS) 18001/2007 certification and the ISO 9001:2008 certifications, by US-based ABS Quality Evaluations. Joe Brincat, the ABS Regional VP for Middle East and Eric Kleess, President & COO of ABS Pacific, presented the certifications to the company on the occasion.
Shaikh Khalil bin Ahmed al Salmi, Deputy CEO of ODC, commented, “ODC has achieved one million safe man-hours which enabled it to win the OHSAS certification. These certifications testify to the fact that ODC has taken adequate steps to avoid accident and hazardous situation using a comprehensive and efficiently implemented system for the benefit of its employees, clients and relevant stakeholders.”
A corporate film showcasing the unique features of ODC and its remarkable contribution towards developing national talent, environment conservation and better health & safety standards was shown on the occasion. On the occasion, the Chief Guest felicitated the chairman, vice chairman, board Members and the CEO of the company. In addition, key department teams were felicitated with the ‘Appreciation Award’.
The event was followed by the launch of the new website of the company www.omandrydock.com. The new website with its brand new design reflects ODC’s unique mission offering a complete spectrum of information related to key aspects of the company. Equipped with a lot of distinctive features including matchless navigation facilities and exceptional user-friendly interface, the website gives a comprehensive picture of the company’s operation, management, vision achievements, social initiatives, and so on.
” The website has a fresh vibrant contemporary design and has employed the latest technology to serve our customers, suppliers, employees and different stakeholders,” said Al Harthy. “It will help the various departments in the company to communicate with their customers who can download and attach relevant documents and details. It is frequently updated with the latest information and marketing developments and exclusive video and audio documents, and is linked to social media websites such as Facebook, twitter and YouTube etc. The website will also enable us to interact with the international market and promote our values and strategic objectives among our customers world over 24 hours.”
Apart from the website, ODC also publishes a magazine called ‘Abhar’ on the latest developments in international dry dock industry.
