Preferred bidder in project to create Maritime Hub

The Government of Malta today announced that it has invited the Ablecare Oilfield Services Group to be the preferred bidder to develop part of the 175,000 m2 former Malta Shipbuilding site into a regional maritime, oil and gas industry hub.

The leading local oilfield services provider is already familiar with the site since only last year it successfully co-ordinated all the works needed toenable Oil rig ENSCO 5004 to be recertified and upgraded at this site.

The precise allocation of the site is now up to negotiation between Ablecare OSG and the Government’s Privatisation Unit. As a result of the development, Ablecare OSG plans to establish a unique maritime facility that is dedicated to the repair, storage, logistics and provision of shore support services to the Oil and gas industry and the international operations of the maritime energy sector in general.

Among the possibilities for development of the site are:
• Two rig stop facilities for the repair and recertification of rigs, including quay-side lay down areas, project offices, workshops, and storage and mud processing facilities;
• Open and enclosed storage areas for equipment used by oil companies, drilling contractors and major rig solution companies;
• Docking and berthing facilities;
• Logistics and shore support services for oil drilling companies and other international operators in the maritime energy sector; and
• Petroleum, marine and subsea industry fabrication, inspection and repair.

Both employment levels on site and degrees of commercial activity will depend on the final agreement reached between Ablecare OSG and the Government of Malta.

According to Paul Abela, Chairman of the Ablecare Oilfield Services Group: “We are committed to making a major investment on this site in the next ten years to enable us to get the maximum of the 45-year lease of the site. We plan to develop a ‘plug and play’ facility to attract and facilitate operations in Malta of all the major global drilling contractors.

“This is, however, not going to be a site exclusive to our group but a centre where Maltese and international subcontractors and specialists who are prepared to work to the exacting international standards of the oil and gas industry can also find a place and offer their services.”