French naval ship design and construction company Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie (CMN) has commissioned two floating drydocks built at Zamil Shipyard in Dammam for maintenance and repair work on naval boats in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Mammoet’s Saudi Arabia branch was contracted by CMN to launch the drydocks via float-off operation. Using its vast expertise in marine load-out and float-off operations, Mammoet undertook all engineering, procurement, logistics, and execution for the successful float-off of the drydocks, according to the statement.
During the concept stage, the team offered a float-off approach that had never been tried previously in the Kingdom. The solution entailed the use of a large floating dock with the capability to perform float-off directly at the jetty.
The planned port would eliminate the need for the typical offshore float-off and associated logistics. This will provide the client with a commercial edge, as well as cost savings and time savings.
A full transport and marine engineering, various risk assessments, and warranty surveys were conducted to ensure safe and effective execution. The floating dock, mooring, and ballasting equipment, as well as a professional staff, were brought in from the UAE to carry out the operation. It was performed in line with the client’s specifications, warranty surveyors’ requirements, shipyard and port authorities’ requirements, and environmental regulations.
As per the statement, “Each drydock, weighing 1,450t and measuring 85m long, 34m wide and 11m high, was safely transported from the fabrication facility to the quayside, then loaded out onto the floating dock using 96 axle lines of Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT), before being floated off successfully at the right time and tide.”
