Asyad Drydock’s Second Floating Dock Investment: What It Means for Oman’s Maritime Sector and Business Opportunities
MUSCAT, NOVEMBER 5 — Asyad Drydock, a subsidiary of Asyad Group—Oman’s integrated global logistics provider—announced plans to invest in a second floating dock. This initiative is part of its strategy to enhance the capacity for maintenance and repair of small to mid-size vessels at its state-of-the-art facility in the Port of Duqm.
Dr. Abdulsalam Omar al Rabbani, Chief Operating Officer of Asyad Drydock, stated that the new floating dock will surpass the current Panamax-size facility, which was acquired and initiated at Al Duqm two years ago.
At the recent Duqm Economic Forum 2025, held in the Special Economic Zone, Dr. Al Rabbani highlighted that this new facility is part of annual investments averaging RO 4–5 million. These funds are dedicated to modernizing, expanding, and optimizing the yard’s capabilities to manage all types of maritime vessels and crafts requiring drydocking and repair services in Duqm.
In 2023, Asyad Drydock launched a floating dock capable of servicing vessels ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 DWT, a size that constitutes a significant portion of global maritime traffic. This addition has increased the yard’s overall capacity by approximately 20%, allowing the facility to accommodate around 40 more ships annually, raising its total repair capacity to about 240 vessels each year.
Dr. Al Rabbani emphasized, “Asyad Drydock is the second-largest facility of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. In addition to our capacity for handling some of the world’s largest ships, we provide a comprehensive range of ship repairs, onboard fabrication, and related services. Our annual capital expenditure of around RO 4–5 million bolsters our technical capabilities and boosts overall efficiency.”
The yard is also focusing on environmentally sustainable practices to align with international environmental standards and Net Zero objectives. Asyad Drydock specializes in the installation of exhaust gas scrubbers to eliminate sulfur oxides and other pollutants from ship emissions. Additionally, it implements ballast water management systems that comply with IMO regulations, and employs robotic blasting and painting technologies to reduce the environmental impact of repair operations.
“By committing to these initiatives, we ensure that repair work is performed safely while maintaining superior quality and craftsmanship—essential elements that enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and competitiveness in pricing,” he added.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
As Asyad Drydock invests in a second floating dock, businesses in Oman should seize the opportunity to engage with a growing maritime infrastructure, which can lead to increased trade and service demand in the region. This expansion also presents potential risks for competitors who may struggle to adapt to the advanced capabilities and environmental standards being implemented. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should focus on supporting and collaborating with Asyad’s initiatives, particularly in green technologies and maritime services, to gain a competitive edge in the evolving marketplace.
