According to reports, Bahrain-based Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (Asry) launched the first service boat built for the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC). A $4m contract was signed between the two companies and the vessel is due to be ready by mid-August. The lowering ceremony was held at the Dry Dock jetty and was attended by Asry's acting chief executive Fawzi Al Gosaibi, KOTC's Marine Agency Branch manager Captain Emad Al Musaed and a number of senior officials from both companies. This new boat is considered to be the first of its kind to be built by Asry's shipyard and measures about 35 m by 9 m. Its principal role will be as a service boat delivering potable water, necessary spares and provisions to KOTC's fleet of tankers and other vessels.