THE Oman Dry Dock Company (ODC) will add a floating dry dock to its ship repair and maintenance yard at Oman's Port of Duqm, said Transport Minister Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi at the official opening of the new shipyard.

The floating drydock would remove the necessity of small and medium-sized ships using Duqm port's two giant graving docks, according to the Oman Daily Observer.

Dr Al Futaisi also said there was also a wide range of maritime and industrial projects underway at Duqm.

"This is a significant development in Oman's maritime industry," he said. "The yard's successful completion and operation for the last one year goes to show that Oman, which is known for its shipbuilding activities, is capable of building and handling major projects of this nature."

Oman has set aside 21,000 hectares for the development of an industrial complex and maritime infrastructure at Duqm port. Engineering work is due for completion by end 2014 or early 2015, said ODC chief executive Myong Jun Park.