IMI, ARO Drilling to build new offshore jack-up rig in Ras Al-Khair

Signing ceremony

International Maritime Industries (IMI) signed a landmark agreement with ARO Drilling Co. for the construction of a new offshore jack-up rig, KINGDOM 4.

In a statement to Tadawul, the company stated that its 12 million-square-meter offshore facility in Ras Al-Khair will enable the construction of up to six offshore drilling rigs, 25 offshore support vessels, and 18 large commercial vessels annually, including chemical tankers, general cargo ships, product tankers, and very large crude carriers (VLCCs). Additionally, the company will be able to provide maintenance and repair services for up to 250 vessels and 15 drilling rigs annually.

The construction of the "Kingdom 4" platform follows a former partnership signed between IMI ARO Drilling for the construction of “Kingdom 3,” the first offshore jack-up drilling rig built in Saudi Arabia.

According to Argaam data, IMI is 40.1% owned by Saudi Aramco, 20% by Lamprell, 19.9% by Bahri, and 20% by Hyundai Heavy Industries.

The company provides services for the construction, maintenance, and repair of commercial ships, offshore drilling platforms, and marine support vessels.

Meanwhile, ARO is a global contracting company operating in marine drilling. It is a joint venture between Aramco and Valaris.