The upturn in oil prices is apparent, as shipyard and ship repair company Elgin Brown & Hamer (EBH) Namibia’s shipyard is currently full to capacity, with predictions that the next six months are going to be extremely busy for the shipyard.

“EBH has been receiving a steady stream of project work this year, repairing and maintaining the offshore support vessels which service the West African oil exploration industry,” says EBH Namibia marketing manager Quintin Simon.

The recent reactivation of the oil rig SKD Jaya is a good example, where EBH Namibia – at short notice – assessed and reactivated a rig that had been out of service for some years.

“This project was completed to the client’s satisfaction, on time and within budget.”

Simon mentions that the recent rebranding of the company – to be known as ‘Namdock’ going forward – is aimed at creating global awareness among shipowners and operators that there is an expert and responsible ship repair partner and facility on the West Coast of Africa, in Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Moreover, he indicates that EBH Namibia’s location, as well as the stable political dispensation, well-developed infrastructure, and efficient customs and logistics system of Namibia, are key factors that enhance the company’s competitiveness among other West African shipyards.

Simon says the company’s staff has in-depth expertise and experience as a shipyard solutions company which meets internationally recognised standards.

“There is a legal obligation globally on shipyards to comply with internationally recognised standards and EBH Namibia ensures that it fully complies with these standards at all times.”

For example, the welding on ships and rigs is inspected by an internationally certified third party, which then guarantees the quality of the work that has been done, he adds.

Simon concludes that EBH Namibia – as the largest engineering concern in Namibia – is also diversifying and leveraging its engineering expertise and facilities by actively looking for land-based engineering work in Namibia and in neighbouring West African coastal countries, particularly in the mining sector.