Bahrain, August 2025 – In a significant advancement for Bahrain’s maritime and energy industries, the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY) officially launched two self-propelled bunker vessels for Bapco Refining, a subsidiary of Bapco Energies. The launch ceremony, held recently at ASRY’s facility, was attended by prominent dignitaries including ASRY Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahmed Al Abri and Bapco Refining Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ms. Afaf Zainalabedin, alongside senior leaders and technical teams from both organizations.
The event marked a major milestone in the collaborative project, as both vessels were formally lowered into the water for the first time — a key moment that signals the successful completion of the main construction phase. The vessels are now set to undergo full commissioning, testing, and sea trials in the final phase of the project.
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A Strategic Collaboration Driving Excellence
In his remarks during the launch ceremony, ASRY Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahmed Al Abri emphasized the strategic significance of the collaboration:
“This project is the result of a strong strategic partnership between ASRY and Bapco Refining. It exemplifies our shared commitment to fostering national talent, developing technical capabilities, and delivering innovative marine solutions that serve both the Kingdom’s energy ambitions and maritime transport sector.”
He continued,
“This launch underscores ASRY’s long-standing track record in executing complex marine projects with the highest standards of engineering excellence, safety, and reliability. It reinforces our position as a global leader in integrated maritime solutions.”
Engineering Precision and Technical Mastery
ASRY’s Vice President for Commercial Affairs, Mr. Sauvir Sarkar, highlighted the scale and precision of the project, noting that it was the culmination of more than a year of detailed engineering, design, and outfitting work.
“From conceptual design to construction and system integration, every phase was executed with rigorous quality control. These vessels are being built to not only meet but exceed international performance benchmarks and Bapco Refining’s stringent maritime standards,” he said.
The project marks a critical step in strengthening Bahrain’s maritime infrastructure and energy logistics, positioning both ASRY and Bapco Refining at the forefront of sustainable and efficient fuel transport solutions in the region.
Supporting Bahrain’s Energy and Maritime Ambitions
The launch of these vessels is part of a broader initiative by Bapco Refining to modernize and optimize its fuel supply chain, aligning with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s vision for a diversified and sustainable energy future. The vessels are purpose-built for the safe and efficient transport of refined fuel products across the region’s ports and terminals.
Bapco Refining is one of the region’s premier refining operators, managing the 267,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) refinery — which is set to increase to 380,000 bpd upon completion of the Bapco Modernization Programme (BMP), the Kingdom’s largest-ever energy investment.
As a key operating company under Bapco Energies, Bapco Refining plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality petroleum products and driving operational excellence in Bahrain’s downstream sector.
About Bapco Energies
Bapco Energies is Bahrain’s fully integrated national energy company, committed to powering the next generation through responsible and innovative energy practices. With operations spanning the entire energy value chain, Bapco Energies is central to the Kingdom’s drive toward net-zero emissions by 2060.
The company leads strategic initiatives in upstream exploration, refining, gas operations, LNG importation, and specialized fueling services — all while supporting national economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Subsidiaries under Bapco Energies include:
- Bapco Refining
- Bapco Upstream
- Bapco Gas & Gas Expansion
- Bapco Tazweed
- Bapco Air Fueling
- BAC Jet Fuel (BJFCO)
- Bahrain LNG
About ASRY
Founded in 1977 and based in the Kingdom of Bahrain, ASRY (Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard Company) is the Arabian Gulf’s leading maritime repair and fabrication facility. With a legacy of over 2,500 completed projects and a workforce of more than 3,000 skilled professionals, ASRY serves a global clientele across multiple sectors:
- Ship Repair & Conversion
- Rig Repair & Conversion
- Naval Repair & Conversion
- Fabrication & Engineering
ASRY’s world-class infrastructure includes a 500,000 DWT drydock, two floating docks, 15 repair berths totaling 5,000 meters, twin 255-meter slipways, and over 250,000 sqm of fabrication area.
Recent accolades include:
- Repair Yard of the Year – ShipTek Maritime Awards 2025
- Best Dry-Docking Facility & Sustainable Ship Recycling – Global Economics Awards 2024
- Shipyard of the Year – Lloyds List Middle East & Subcontinent Awards
ASRY continues to push the boundaries of marine engineering, supporting both commercial and defense sectors with sustainable, safe, and reliable solutions.
Source ASRY (Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard Company)