DCD Group has, through its subsidiary and marine specialist DCD Marine, acquired ship repair company Elgin Brown and Hamer (EBH) South Africa and a portion of EBH Namibia, which is majority-owned by the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport).

The group said the deal, which had been in the pipeline since 2011, enabled the DCD Marine cluster additional capacity to offer a full service to existing and new shipping clients along the entire Southern African coastline, from Durban to Walvis Bay and beyond.

DCD Marine GM Gerry Klos said the rationale behind the acquisition was to leverage EBH's strong brand and DCD Marine’s established industry record to boost global competitiveness.

“The marine cluster will now be able to offer clients several docking options at various ports spanning the coastline, as well as a greater footprint in terms of workshop and dry dock or floating dock facilities,” he commented.

EBH’s core focus was repairing container and cargo vessels, as well as various offshore supply vessels and dredgers, while DCD Marine specialised in the management of larger projects related to repairing vessels and rigs operating in the oil and gas sector.

EBH operated from its shipyards in Durban, East London and Cape Town, as well as from its floating docks in both Durban and Walvis Bay.

EBH Namibia, which focused chiefly on offshore supply vessels, currently operated two floating dry docks in Walvis Bay and would expand its capacities with the addition of a third floating dry dock in August.

Klos added that EBH South Africa and EBH Namibia would continue to operate as separate entities within the DCD Marine cluster.

“EBH will retain the dry docking, repairs and short-term jobs typically associated with fast turnaround projects. DCD Marine will, at the same time, continue to specialise in project management relating to repairs, upgrades and conversion projects to drill ships, drilling rigs, jack-ups and all types of offshore support vessels in the upstream oil and gas markets,” he said.

Group GM Rob Deane said the company would look to leverage new opportunities as part of the DCD Marine cluster and the DCD corporate stable.

“Being part of a larger group will enhance our service offering to existing clients by giving them more options and increased access to resources and facilities, while our enhanced operational capacities around the Southern African coast will improve our ability to attract new business,” he said.