Domestic fabrication capabilities for Saudi Arabia’s offshore

July 1, 2025

Fahhad Al Harbi, CEO of Offshore Fabrication Company (OFC), talks to The Energy Year about supporting Marjan oilfield projects from the company’s new yard at Ras Al Khair and Kuwait’s blooming offshore exploration segment. OFC manufactures offshore and onshore oil and gas structures and provides maritime support and logistics services.

What offshore services does OFC offer?
OFC is transforming the Saudi manufacturing landscape by bringing offshore platform fabrication processes directly into the country. Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest offshore producer with the biggest offshore field, but offshore platforms have historically been fabricated outside the country and shipped here for installation. To change this, we established a 135,000-square-metre fabrication yard at Ras Al Khair, close to the Marjan oilfield and Al Khafji Joint Operations. Soon after, we began providing maritime services to Aramco.
Today, we have 50 operating units that offer fabrication and marine logistics services. We have long-term agreements with Aramco contractors such as Saipem, NMDC Energy, McDermott, Lamprell, L&T and Subsea7. The company is divided into a maritime services and logistics division, which includes our joint venture with GWC in Qatar, and a fabrication division.

How has your status as an Aramco-approved company impacted your business?
Becoming approved by Aramco was a major milestone for us. It confirmed our engineering capabilities, quality and resources, and it opened many opportunities for us. Their approval strengthens our reputation in Saudi Arabia’s offshore segment and is a signal to clients of our ability to deliver projects to the highest standards.
My 17 years of experience working with Aramco played a key role in expediting the approval process. It allowed me to navigate the requirements effectively. I assembled a highly professional team with a good understanding of Aramco’s standards and expectations, which was crucial for meeting the necessary qualifications in a short timeframe.

 

What sets OFC apart from other companies in the offshore sector?
We can offer a complete set of services across fabrication, maritime support and logistics. Other companies may offer maritime or logistics services, but they cannot handle fabrication as well. Our business model is built on delivering an integrated solution that combines all three offerings into a comprehensive service package. Additionally, our strategic location near key fields allows us to serve clients efficiently and effectively.
There are synergies among companies in this area. Tuwaiq, for example, has an efficient supply chain and relies heavily on nearby providers for fabrication and logistics. Having many services in Ras Al Khair saves us all time and costs. OFC’s integrated structure adds to the local supply chain and saves clients from having to travel to Jubail or Dammam.

Do you plan to expand beyond the Saudi market?
The Saudi market is our primary focus due to its size and importance, but we are also looking to expand into other GCC markets. We are particularly interested in Kuwait. Offshore exploration has kicked off in Kuwait’s Dorra field, and we expect excellent opportunities to arise for us to provide services there. There is currently no offshore fabrication in the country, so our experience will position us well to capture business.

What business expectations do you have for your joint venture with GWC, and what segments of the Saudi market are you targeting?
The logistics market in Saudi Arabia has traditionally lacked specialised service providers, with most offerings being limited to either transportation or freight. Our partnership with GWC is set to change this dynamic. By combining our expertise in fabrication and logistics with GWC’s capabilities at Ras Al Khair port, we will be able to provide complete, specialised logistics services under one umbrella.
This partnership will not only enhance our offerings but also improve the overall quality and efficiency of logistics services in Saudi Arabia. We will be able to provide clients with solutions that were previously unavailable in the market.

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