Aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035, the Heavy Engineering Industries & Shipbuilding Company (HEISCO) is advancing national priorities by strengthening long-term industrial capacity and supporting sustainable economic growth. Through a strong commitment to technical excellence, robust HSE practices, and integrated EPC strategies, HEISCO continues to build execution strength across key sectors.
In this interview, Eng. Salem Marafi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Shipyard Operations at HEISCO, shares insights into the company’s strategic journey, highlighting continuous investments in modern shipyard facilities, specialized equipment, and structured work processes that meet international class, HSE, and quality standards, positioning HEISCO as a trusted regional leader in EPC, industrial, and marine services.
Eng.Salem Marafi
Last year, HEISCO marked 50 years since its establishment. Which milestones were most transformative for the company, and what key lessons will guide HEISCO’s future growth?
Over the past 50 years, HEISCO has evolved from a local contractor into a diversified EPC and industrial player serving the energy, infrastructure, offshore, and marine sectors across the region. Expanding in-house capabilities, aligning with international standards, and growing marine services have been key milestones.
The main lessons are clear: sustainable growth depends on technical excellence, adaptability, strong governance, and continuous investment in people.
HEISCO is widely recognized as a trusted EPC contractor in Kuwait and the wider region. What enables the company to deliver large and complex projects consistently?
HEISCO delivers complex projects consistently through strong in-house EPC capabilities, disciplined project management, and strict governance. End-to-end control over quality, cost, and schedule, combined with experienced leadership and long-term client partnerships, ensures reliable execution.
Ship repair and shipbuilding remain central to HEISCO’s identity. How has the company modernized its shipyard operations to meet international standards while strengthening its overall marine capabilities?
Ship repair and shipbuilding are at the heart of HEISCO’s business. The company has continuously upgraded its shipyard with modern facilities, specialized equipment, and well-defined work processes that meet international class, HSE, and quality standards. Strong planning, inspection, and quality control, led by experienced marine engineers and supervisors, ensure efficient, reliable, and predictable execution across different vessel types.
At the same time, HEISCO has strengthened its marine offering by integrating ship repair with offshore and fabrication expertise. This reduces interfaces, shortens turnaround times, and ensures technically sound delivery.
Beyond traditional ship repair, HEISCO now offers offshore services, professional diving, and specialized manpower. How does this strengthen your role in the region?
By expanding into offshore services, professional diving, and specialized manpower, HEISCO now supports a wider range of marine and offshore works under one umbrella. This integration reduces interfaces, accelerates execution, and improves safety and quality, reinforcing HEISCO’s role as a reliable regional marine partner.
HEISCO has recently secured contracts across power, refineries, offshore, and subsea works. What does this say about market confidence in the company?
HEISCO’s recent wins across power generation, refineries, offshore, and subsea projects reflect strong market confidence in the company’s technical strength and reliable execution. Clients trust HEISCO to handle complex, high-risk scopes while consistently meeting strict safety, quality, and schedule requirements.
These achievements also highlight HEISCO’s proven track record across multiple sectors, supported by integrated EPC capabilities and experienced leadership. Together, they reinforce HEISCO’s reputation as a dependable partner for critical infrastructure and energy projects.
How does HEISCO align with Kuwait Vision 2035, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and sustainability?
HEISCO supports national development priorities through its work on critical infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects that strengthen long-term capacity and economic diversification. Its EPC and industrial expertise help deliver and modernize essential power, oil and gas, water, and marine assets reliably.
A strong focus on HSE, efficient use of resources, and responsible execution, along with investment in local talent and adherence to international standards, reinforces HEISCO’s contribution to sustainable and resilient development.
Looking ahead, which areas or technologies is HEISCO focusing on, and how do you see the company’s role in the coming decade?
HEISCO’s future direction is driven by continued investment in modern tools, advanced engineering methods, and execution efficiency across its EPC, industrial, and marine operations. At the same time, the company is strengthening practices that support sustainability and long-term asset performance.
These priorities position HEISCO as a reliable, integrated solutions provider for infrastructure, energy, and marine projects in the years ahead.
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To read the full content, click on the following link: Robban Assafina, Issue 101, Jan/Mar 2026, Maritime Host, pg. 79 |
