GIBDOCK, a leading ship repair and a prime maritime hub at the entrance of the Mediterranean, aims to handle a wide range of jobs from minor repairs to extensive conversion and fabrication projects. At Posidonia 2024, Robban Assafina had a chance to interview John Barnard, Commercial Director, GIBDOCK to discuss the latest developments after the acquisition of the yard by the UK-based sustainable engineering company Balaena.

First, what can tell us about GIBDOCK, services and its vision?

Gibdock is a full-service ship repair, maintenance, conversion and marine fabrication facility with a long-standing reputation for providing the highest standard in shipyard performance in one of the most convenient locations in Europe. Situated in the Strait of Gibraltar at the gateway between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, yard advantages include minimal deviation for ships transiting these waters and a year-round dry climate ideally suited for outdoor ship-work. Gibdock is equipped to handle a wide range of jobs from minor repairs to extensive conversion and fabrication projects.
Over the last two years, the turnover at Gibdock has doubled based on increased workload in commercial, defence and heavy fabrication projects under the ownership of UK-based sustainable engineering company Balaena, which acquired the yard in 2022. Balaena’s strategic aim is to maintain that momentum and grow by building business in the commercial and offshore markets where Gibdock’s reputation is strong and expand in the superyacht and mid-size cruise ship sectors. 

Gibdock will offer fabrication services to support Balaena in its delivery of offshore utility platforms, which the group has developed to serve island and coastal communities with fresh water supply, sewage treatment, energy security, and communications. IUP fabrication will supporting a major expansion of Gibdock’s fabrication activities, with the yard’s additional expertise expected to benefit specialized parts of the offshore market. 

What are the key features and capabilities of the shipyard infrastructure at GIBDOCK, including its dry docks, repair facilities and support services for vessels?

Gibdock has three dry docks and facilities for work alongside within a protected deep-water port. The dry docks range in length from 154 meters to 272 meters, with 10 cranes making up the flexible core of the yard. A 300-meter main wharf and a 435-meter mole complete Gibdock’s infrastructure. The shipyard has 7,000m2 of covered workshops and 3000m2 of external fabrication area, which are equipped with machinery and craneage to support a full range of repair and fabrication activities.
Yard management recently engaged civil engineers to assess deepening draft alongside from its current 11m to 13-14m and extending its deepwater berths. Also, Gibdock is undertaking a feasibility study covering the future expansion of our three drydocks. 

Balaena is also investing in the people and workplace facilities that support these ambitions. Over the last year, Gibdock has stepped up its training and professional development programs and invested in new offices. It is also planning new offices and welfare facilities. 

How does GIBDOCK support shipowners in retrofitting and integrating solutions to further enhance ship efficiency and sustainability?

Gibdock has been involved in a range of substantial projects focusing on ship sustainability over recent years, with works including conversions for dual fuel, scrubber installations, ballast water management system retrofits and the fitting of energy saving devices. It is also close to announcing an exciting partnership with a leading technology provider to offer fuel reducing modifications for its customers.

Among recent projects with a sustainability dimension has been an engagement with highly durable graphene-based antifouling coatings. In this case, Gibdock hosted the Vulica Shipping Company-owned bulk carrier Donald M James for a 30-day project to apply a new type of coating from GIT Coatings (Graphite Innovation & Technologies Inc). The 229m length ship entered Gibdock’s No.1 Dock for extensive works, with the opportunity taken to apply XGIT-FUEL topcoat to its vertical sides and XGIT-PROP in three-layers to the 7.3m propeller.

GIT’s hard foul release coatings had a breakthrough year in 2023, due to graphene’s impact resistance and the absence of biocides, ultra-low VOC content, and a smooth finish which minimises drag and cuts ship emissions. Self-cleaning at 10-12 knots, the hull coating XGIT-FUEL boosts ship efficiency by 7-10%. 
Gibdock’s focus on sustainability has been redoubled under the ownership of Balaena. The yard has recently added to its environmentally responsible ultra high-pressure water systems for hull cleaning and now has its own reverse osmosis plant to supply industrial-grade water. It also recently extended its shore power connections to provide reconfigurable shore power at every berth in the shipyard.

Read Here
	Issue 91 of Robban Assafina (May/ June 2024)