Columbia seals new cooperation deal with International Maritime Industries (IMI)

CSM has sealed an agreement to help expand the Middle East’s biggest shipyard.

Pictured L-R: Mark O’ Neil (CSM CEO), Ahmed Al Saadi, (IMI Chairman and Saudi Aramco Senior Vice President – Technical Services), Dr. Abdullah Al Ahmari (IMI CEO)

CSM has signed a memorandum of understanding with International Maritime Industries (IMI).

The deal is an expansion of a partnership agreed six months ago to explore opportunities in the maritime sector.

Columbia will now seek to boost Saudi Arabia’s capabilities in shipbuilding, ship repair and engineering.

CSM will act as an official consultant for IMI in the areas of “sensorisation technology” for vessel performance optimisation, engineering solutions, vessel design, and newbuild planning and supervision.

It will also actively promote IMI’s set-up and technical capabilities to existing clients.

Abdullah Al Ahmari, IMI’s chief executive, said: “We are pleased to have signed this agreement with CSM, a company that is committed to supporting our efforts of building a world-class, technologically advanced shipyard that will drive the development of the maritime industry in Saudi Arabia.

“The partnership enables us to leverage CSM’s unique capabilities and expertise, therefore enhancing our offering to both partners and customers,” he added.

IMI is based at the King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services in Ras Al Khair. The facility on Saudi Arabia’s east coast is set to be operational this year.

CSM CEO Mark O’Neil explained the deal underlines the group’s commitment to the Middle East and Saudi Arabian markets.

He said the yard is targeting newbuilding and maintenance work for VLCCs, chemical tankers, bulkers and offshore support vessels.

“Together with IMI, we have a mutual interest in strengthening our collaboration in order to meet the ambitious targets set out by IMI in the MENA [Middle East and North Africa] region,” O’Neill added.

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