DCD-Dorbyl unveils upgraded Cape Town repair quay

A ribbon-cutting ceremony has inaugurated the upgraded A-Berth facility at DCD-Dorbyl Marine’s Cape Town, South Africa, ship repair facility. Designed and built to provide the local and international oil and gas industry with a multi-disciplinary engineering, repair and refurbishment facility, the state-of-the-art A-Berth is set to provide a benchmark for the industry.

Based in the Port of Cape Town, with facilities in Saldanha Bay and a joint venture in East London, DCD-Dorbyl Marine has built a reputation as a preferred ship repair and general engineering company since the early 1900’s.

The Port of Cape Town has seen the successful completion of a number of large scale offshore oil and gas projects over the years and DCD-Dorbyl Marine believes that with the upgrading of the A-Berth facility, the company will be able to provide unparalleled service for any conceivable future projects.

“We are cognizant of the growing need for a company that can supply marine and industrial clients with a turnkey service that incorporates the complete management of projects requiring quality-driven repair and conversion offerings,” says Johann Venter, Executive Director of DCD-Dorbyl.

Though the company gets  a proportion of its business from the local market, its customers include many international oil and gas companies. Now it aims to increase its penetration into the international market.

“This gearing up for internationally-acceptable safety and quality standards will not only align us with other global players, but will also refine and enhance the service offering to our current clients,” says Mr. Venter

The upgrading of the A-Berth facility means that, in addition to its current comprehensive workshop facilities and access to dry dock facilities, the company can provide a repair quay, and extensive craneage.

“This comprehensive repair offering includes the introduction of a 350-ton crawler crane which is permanently situated at A-Berth and is complemented by a number of mobile cranes ranging from 16 up to 800 ton capacities,” says Mr. Venter.

The upgraded A-Berth facility has a 275 m long quay and allows berthing of vessels with a draft of up to 12 ms. The laydown area is 42,700 sq.m, with a warehouse facility of 2,760 sq.m, office space of 1,000 sq.m and a medical facility. Access to the berth is provided around the clock and security is a priority, with ISPS,  Port security, a secured site and CCTV surveillance ensuring the safekeeping of vessels.

“In addition to our own team of highly qualified artisans and technicians, we make use of a number of specialist subcontractors. This allows us to offer our clients a comprehensive portfolio of services which includes steel fabrication; electrical, reticulation and control; pipe fabrication; mechanical repairs; hydraulics; NDT inspections; blasting and coating; rope access; scaffolding; and subsea/underwater services,” says MR. Venter.

DCD-Dorbyl Marine operates in full compliance with all applicable legislation and is accredited with OHSAS 18001. It also conforms to the requirements of ISO 14001. The company’s adherence to the requirements of ISO 9001 has resulted in the awarding of repeat business from a number of prestigious international and local clients.

“We are confident that with the upgrade of the A-Berth facility, Cape Town is set to become the preferred destination for world class oil rig repairs and upgrades in Africa and DCD-Dorbyl Marine will pioneer the growth of the market,” Mr. Venter concludes.

November 4, 2011