Caribbean-based GSRJ to start drydocking operations in early 2024

Previously concerned with only alongside repair work and the supply of riding squads, Kingston-based German Ship Repair Jamaica (GSRJ) is set to move into the big time in early 2024 when its recently purchased second-hand floating dock enters service.

The 20,000-tonne lift Panamax-capacity floating dock, named Jamdock 1, was acquired last year from Bremerhaven repairer German Dry Docks, where it operated as Dock 3, the 215m x 35m floating dock is expected to spearhead GSRJ’s ambition to become a regional ship repair and maintenance leader. The drydock is capable of accommodating the vast majority of vessels that visit Jamaican ports, with the exception of large cruise vessels.

GSRJ was established nine years ago as a joint venture by four companies from Germany, Jamaica and Turkey. The German partners are shipowner Harren & Partners and ship supply company Kloska Group; the Jamaican partner is the Jamaican Drydock Co Ltd, while the Turkish partner is shipbuilder and repairer Hat-San.

Harren & Partners has had a long and close connection with Jamaica and the Caribbean, and operates a number of feeder container ships in the area. Meanwhile, Turkish shipyard Hat-San is providing GSRJ with the necessary technical services and management of the new facility.

The yard’s first floating dock arrived in Kingston on 24 August 2023, after being towed across the Atlantic by the tug Titan. Since the dock’s arrival in the Caribbean it has been made ready to enter service and pass the regulatory requirements for such a vessel.

GSRJ has now been approved as a Special Economic Free Zone by the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority and has been granted all required environmental permits from the National Environmental & Planning Authority.

Col. Martin Rickman, GSRJ’s CEO, said the new floating dock is being aimed at the local and regional shipowners, as well as the international market. The new ship repair yard is strategically located close to the key shipping routes serving the Caribbean, Central America and vessels transiting the Panama Canal. GSRJ’s acquisition of the floating dock and landside infrastructure work has seen an investment of USD 37 million and when up and fully running, the shipyard is expecting to employ 100 workers, including many locals who have passed through GSRJ’s own apprenticeship scheme.

The shipyard’s financial partner is the Sagicor Bank, which has provided half of the total investment cost as a loan. Jamaica receives approximately 3,000 vessel port calls annually, and it is estimated that there are approximately 180,000 vessels that operate in the area and pass by Jamaica annually.

GSRJ’s first customer for its new floating dock is expected to be the 18,189gt 2008-built heavy load vessel Mexican Giant, which is currently operating from the Mexican port of Ciudad del Carmen, supporting the Ichalkil oilfield, operated by Lukoil.