Supporting the expansion of Saudi Aramco's offshore activities, the Industrial Services Organization (ISO) has ordered 10 new anchor handling tug supply and safety vessels (AHTSS), some of which will be constructed by Saudi shipwrights at the Port of Dammam. Zamil Operations and Maintenance Co. (ZOMCO) was awarded contracts to deliver the new vessels. Of the 10 vessels, four will be constructed at the contractor's shipyard in Dammam, according to a latest news report carried by Saudi Aramco's web-site. Amer A. Al-Sulaim, executive director of Industrial Services, said building these sophisticated support vessels in-Kingdom demonstrates the capabilities and high level of expertise available with local contractors and the commitment to support Saudi Aramco's strategy of promoting the local economy. He noted the vessels will be manned by Saudi crews when completed. --MORE