Oman has reached a historic milestone in its maritime industry with the signing of a strategic agreement between Asyad Drydock, a subsidiary of Asyad Group, and the global marine services provider Svitzer. The partnership centers on the construction of Oman’s first locally manufactured tugboat, which will be dedicated to supporting Oman LNG’s terminal operations. This project marks a significant shift from simple operational support to advanced industrial collaboration, localizing high-value marine assets within the Sultanate.
The project is a key pillar of Oman’s In-Country Value (ICV) strategy, aiming to achieve at least 50% local content during its execution. By making local construction a core contractual requirement, Oman LNG and Asyad Group are ensuring that the investment directly contributes to national capability building and knowledge transfer. This initiative reflects a broader mandate from the Oman Investment Authority to foster sustainable industrial ecosystems and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing for critical infrastructure.
Beyond the technical build, the agreement underscores the growing international confidence in Asyad Drydock’s infrastructure and Omani engineering talent. The 32-meter vessel, boasting a 65-tonne bollard pull capacity, is designed to meet stringent global standards for complex ship repair and construction. The project is expected to create numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities across the local supply chain, reinforcing Asyad Drydock’s role as a national industrial platform for maritime innovation.