“Multimarine Shipyards has been fully operational during the COVID-19 lockdown,” says Pavlos Phokas, Commercial Director at the yard.
. During the period between March-April-May, Multimarine completed three important drydocking projects (Bourbon Diamond, Nor Naomi, and Vos Purpose) as well as attracted several other vessels for afloat repairs and maintenance. Our Port Logistics department has also completed several challenging heavy lifting and transportation works, facilitating the continuation of Technip and Saipem oil and gas projects in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
He told DryDock: “Multimarine applied several measures in the Shipyard facilities, which aim to mitigate the impact to our employees of the COVID-19 pandemic, while we continue to support our clients by doing all we can to minimise business disruption.
Multimarine adopted all Government Guidelines, as well as our own in house health and safety measures to ensure the safeguarding of the health of our employees, clients and subcontractors.
In addition to the use of face masks and gloves, all shipyard locations have been equipped with sanitizers, and all employees and visitors have their temperature recorded. In addition, work shifts have been adapted to maintain social distancing, and limited yard access granted only to essential tasks and staff.
Our work processes have been adjusted without compromising the health of our employees or the quality standards of the shipyard.
Multimarine has also developed a motivational video campaign for our employees, clients, suppliers and associates to remind them to stay strong during these challenging times, and most importantly, This Too Shall Pass.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQij2Qz5wFI
Business as usual
“It was business as usual for us at Multimarine Shipyards, since none of our pre-scheduled projects were cancelled or postponed,” explains Phokas. “We are currently working at 100% capacity. We do not see cancellations due to the virus, but we see owners adopting to the new environment and undertaking supervision of their projects remotely, or by empowering the vessel crew with more responsibilities.
“No jobs were turned down, as ship repairs and maintenance in Cyprus has always been allowed provided that the shipyard and owners followed the measures imposed by the Government and the Ministry of Health.
“At Multimarine, we stock an extensive inventory of raw material that allows us to complete several fabrication and welding works at short notice,” he explains. “In addition, all our local suppliers have supported us during the lockdown period, always taking in consideration the very strict health measures implemented throughout Cyprus.
Crew change
Crew change is being allowed in Cyprus under a special Decree issued by the Ministry of Health. Multimarine has been advising our local and international clients of the provisions of the Decree for the seafarers, and has been facilitating their inbound travels to Cyprus and outbound travels to their home countries.