At the heart of every great achievement lies passion, and this project was no exception. A massive undertaking that started as a vision in late December has now sailed into reality, redefining what’s possible in the world of marine refurbishment.
Grandweld Shipyards was tasked with an ambitious challenge: to complete the refurbishment of Allianz Commander in record time—six months instead of the initially planned nine months. Rising to the occasion, our team not only met but exceeded expectations, achieving a series of groundbreaking milestones along the way.

Milestones that Define Success

The journey kicked off with discussions in December, followed by the official job confirmation on January 19th. Shortly thereafter, CNC cutting began in early February, swiftly followed by fabrication works. By mid-March, the main deck block was lifted and erected, marking the beginning of significant structural advancements. Throughout April and May, additional block lifts were carried out, with the largest block weighing an impressive 65 tonnes. The crane housing, the heaviest block at 110 tonnes, was lifted and securely installed.
By June, the extension block was added, and in July, the vessel underwent inclining, demonstrating remarkable progress within the condensed timeline. The final stages included an ADNOC inspection in August, leading up to the vessel’s successful sail-out on September 5th.

These crucial milestones not only highlight the precision in execution but also underscore the scale and complexity of the tasks completed within such a tight timeframe.

A Scope of Work That Went Beyond the Ordinary

This wasn’t just any project—it was a multi-dimensional refurbishment that encompassed everything from structural fabrication to interior finishing. Grandweld installed a new structure designed to accommodate 205 people, including full interior work such as carpentry, electrical systems, and air conditioning. Simultaneously, we carried out an extensive refurbishment of the existing accommodation for 350 individuals.

The integration of 80 toilet modules and the use of wall and ceiling panels imported from China demonstrates the international collaboration required to execute this project. But perhaps the most striking aspect was the creation of a Temporary Refugee Room for 500 people. In a region where such innovations are rare, this emergency evacuation structure was a first—underscoring Grandweld’s reputation as an industry pioneer.

The Temporary Refugee Room: A First in the Region

What makes this project truly groundbreaking is the development of the Temporary Refugee Room—an innovation that had never been implemented at this scale in the region. With no prior references or examples to follow, Grandweld had to start from scratch, conducting extensive research to devise a comprehensive plan for its implementation. This involved meticulous planning and the integration of cutting-edge safety measures to ensure the room could accommodate up to 500 people during emergency evacuations. The result? A pioneering achievement that redefines safety standards for vessels in the region and sets a new benchmark for innovation in marine refurbishment.

Delivered on Time: A Testament to Teamwork

The cherry on top of this passion project was its timely delivery. Originally scheduled for completion in nine months, the timeline was shortened to six months at the client’s request. Despite the accelerated deadline, we delivered the vessel on time without compromising on quality or safety.
This flawless execution, despite the compressed schedule was a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and meticulous planning of the Grandweld team. Every structural lift, every milestone achieved, was not just a step toward completion—it was a stride toward innovation.

It further solidifies Grandweld as the top choice for ship repair and conversion projects that demand high-quality, timely delivery. Our ability to exceed client expectations under tight deadlines is what sets us apart in the industry.

A Strong Partnership with Standford Marine and Allianz Middle East Team

Our success in this project was not achieved alone. Our long-standing partnership with Standford Marine & Allianz Middle East team, played a critical role throughout the process. Known for their cooperative spirit, this incredible team provided invaluable support, from supplying the lifeboats to delivering major equipment essential to the refurbishment. Their unwavering assistance ensured smooth operations, enabling us to deliver the project on time and to the highest standards.

This collaboration reflects the strong, enduring relationship we share with Allianz Middle East—a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. Together, we’ve consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, and the Allianz Commander project stands as a testament to this continued success.

Conclusion: A Story of Passion and Precision

This project stands as a testament to Grandweld’s commitment to pushing boundaries, meeting client demands, and delivering exceptional quality under tight deadlines. We take immense pride in what we’ve accomplished—especially in pioneering the region’s first Temporary Refugee Room. From the massive structural lifts to the smallest details in the interior work, every aspect was handled with precision and passion.

In the end, it’s projects like these that fuel our passion for the industry. It’s a bold statement of what passion, innovation, and commitment can achieve.