In an exclusive interview with Robban Assafina, Sauvir Sarkar, Vice President – Commercial at ASRY, discusses the shipyard’s dynamic developments and expanding capabilities. From offering cutting-edge decarbonisation solutions and voyage repairs to entering the LNG sector and new construction projects, ASRY is reinforcing its role as a regional and international leader in ship repair and conversion. Sarkar also sheds light on how ASRY is embracing digitalization, enhancing operational efficiency, and staying resilient amid evolving market challenges, while outlining future expansion plans and continued commitment to environmental compliance.
First, what are the latest developments and services offered by ASRY?
In addition to its traditional services of Ship Repair and Conversion, Rig Repair and Conversion and Naval Repairs, ASRY is also offering the following:
a- Decarbonisation solutions to clients, including Hybrid installations, Radical derating installations, Bulbous bow retrofit, Propulsion solutions, etc.
b- Integrated installations towards upgrading capabilities of Naval Ships.
c- Voyage repairs for Naval and Commercial ships.
d- New construction (we are presently building 2 fuel bunker vessels).
e- Marine services, based on ASRY being a Port.
f- Marine services, based on the hire of our maritime services in Bahrain.
We are also moving towards other segments of ship repair, such as LNG for which we have received GTT approval.
Sauvir Sarkar
How do you view the ship repair and shipbuilding sectors in the Middle Eastern region, particularly in relation to ASRY’s area of expertise?
The ship repairs remain busy and could improve further if the Red Sea passage of ships normalizes. ASRY’s expertise in various decarbonization solutions and retrofitting various installations continue to make ASRY an owner’s choice. This, in addition to its proximity to KSA, UAE, Kuwait also attracts clients working for oil majors in this area. We are focusing on the smaller ship building, as we see modernisation and expansion plans upcoming for the demand for smaller vessels.
What challenges does the shipbuilding and ship repair industry face, and what are the best strategies to address these challenges both environmentally and in compliance with IMO regulations?
China’s growth in services offered and potential charter opportunities after COVID are leading to clients moving ship repair to China. The other challenge is the reduced traffic in the Red Sea. To address these challenges, we are improving the efficiency of repair so that owners can complete their repairs in a shorter duration. This involves the use of robotic blasting, material handling in order to improve environmental compliance as well as reduction in repair time.
We are also focusing on ships directly related to Oil majors, such as Rigs, OSV’s, Pipe laying barges, Construction vessels. The decarbonization inclusive services is also bringing clients to ASRY, based on its ability to offer turnkey, IMO/ Class compliant solutions.
| Read More: ASRY Announces Promotions Among Bahraini Staff |
ASRY participates in many exhibitions, reflecting the company’s commitment to developing its capabilities and global relationships. Given your experience, how do you describe ASRY’s role both regionally and internationally?
ASRY continues to serve the worldwide market of Ship Repair and Conversions. In this market, every new client is valuable to us, at the same time, ensuring that our existing clientele experiences continually improved services. This approach has led us to participating worldwide and regionally and meeting clients the world over.
We have accordingly seen a good number of new clients calling ASRY with their ships and then realizing our capabilities are becoming repeat clients. Regionally, clients are continuously bringing their assets to ASRY, also based on the fact that ASRY is the yard of all OAPEC counties.
How does your yard stay competitive in an industry where shipowners are increasingly seeking cost-effective and efficient repair solutions?
Improving efficiencies is the only way to remain cost effective and efficient. As mentioned earlier, if an owner can receive its vessel for commercial trading earlier, this helps him. To this, it is not only completing repairs more efficiently, but allowing and supporting owners to carry out preparation services within the repair duration. For example, we are providing N2 purging services through our downstream vendors. Limited slops are also being dealt with by ASRY to assist clients.
What new technologies or digital solutions have you integrated into your repair processes to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance sustainability?
ASRY continues to offer digital solutions. Firstly, it now operates through an end-to-end ERP system, which provides progress, costs and other financial productivity parameters very efficiently. In addition, ASRY is investing in the modernisation of its assets to reduce down time and provide more sustainable solutions. These include installation of Capacitor banks, LED lighting, SOLAR solution, Upgradation of control systems on its crane, upgrading its docks and quay sides. More semi-automatic welding, new and efficient machines with high inductive loads etc. Further engineer-based digital transformation is continually being used, such as 3D scanning, Nesting, 3D modeling etc.
How do you assess ASRY’s performance in the first half of 2024? Are there any expansion plans for 2025?
ASRY’s performance in 2024 was good as far as ship repair. While it started slow, we picked up drastically, leading to a number of complex and large projects being undertaken in the shortest time. This included a number of challenges in serving clients for multiple dockings, necessitated because of additional work coming up during the course of repairs.
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:To read the full content, click on the following link Robban Assafina, Issue 97, May/ June 2025, Maritime Host, pg. 72-73 |
