Unithai Shipyard expands into Ranong, partners with Yongchao

          Unithai Shipyard and Engineering, Thailand's premier shipyard, has expanded its operations to the deep sea port in Thailand's western Ranong province. Supporting the government's strategic plan to develop Ranong Port as a marine transport, logistics and offshore-business hub for the region, Unithai Shipyard has signed a memorandum of understanding with Yongchao Company, which provides a wide range of logistical support for oil and gas operations in the Andaman Sea.
          In pooling their expertise, Yongchao and Unithai Shipyard will be able to provide marine and port services at the latter's facilities. "In combining the capabilities of Yongchao and Unithai Shipyard, the operations have become a one-stop-service," Unithai Shipyard Managing Director Teerapon Udomkanjananan said. "Once a vessel arrives at the port, all services – including formalities, repairs, crew changes and warehousing – will be completed in just one stop. This will support the expansion of marine and offshore business in this region in the future. And at the same time, this collaboration will also enhance our capabilities in providing the only heavy fabrications available on the Andaman Sea coast."
Yongchao is a service provider for warehousing and berthing, established in 2003 to support oil and gas operations in this area. Key facilities at Yongchao include 70 metres reserved for berthing, 4,000 square metres of storage area, 3,000 square metres of laydown area, and additional space for a future fabrication yard. Meanwhile Unithai Shipyard's Songkhla base is able to provide husbanding, shiprepair, agency services and fabrication projects in response to the growing needs of oil and gas operations in the region.
          "Each of our companies has its own unique capabilities," Yongchao Managing Director Chin Ungphaiboon said. "Unithai Shipyard has demonstrated strong performance as a provider of repair and husbanding services and has many customers in both the marine and offshore sectors. And Yongchao has a competitive location with facilities that are ideal for supporting marine and offshore operations. Our collaboration combines our respective expertise in the spirit of partnership, not only adding value to both enterprises but also contributing to national development in the maritime and offshore industrial sectors."