Semco Maritime, Zamakona Form Las Palmas Shipyard Alliance

Why It Matters

The shipyard creates a strategic Atlantic‑side service platform, reducing transit times and costs for offshore operators while expanding capacity for large‑scale rig upgrades and maintenance.

Key Takeaways

• Deep‑water quaysides up to 22 m depth.
• 650 m of quay length supports large offshore rigs.
• Two 50‑ton cranes enable heavy‑lift project capability.
• Integrated services reduce costs and accelerate delivery.
• Strategic location serves Atlantic, West Africa, Europe markets.

Pulse Analysis

The partnership between Semco Maritime and Zamakona Yards creates the Las Palmas Shipyard, a purpose‑built hub in the Canary Islands that leverages more than five decades of marine expertise. By combining Semco’s engineering and project‑execution capabilities with Zamakola’s extensive yard infrastructure, the alliance offers a one‑stop solution for offshore rig upgrades, vessel maintenance and complex modification work. The facility’s deep‑water quaysides, 650 metres of berth and heavy‑lift cranes position it to accommodate the largest Atlantic‑based rigs, providing immediate access to markets across West Africa and Europe. Offshore operators are under increasing pressure to extend asset life while curbing operating expenditures.

The Las Palmas Shipyard directly addresses this challenge through integrated services such as life‑extension programmes, electrical and automation upgrades, and full‑scale fabrication. Proximity to the Atlantic corridor reduces transit time and associated fuel costs, allowing owners to schedule maintenance windows more efficiently. Moreover, on‑site shore‑power connections and extensive indoor workshop space enable simultaneous projects, accelerating delivery schedules and delivering measurable cost savings for clients.

The alliance also reshapes the competitive dynamics of the European and West African offshore support sector. Traditional shipyards in mainland Europe face capacity constraints and higher labor costs, while many African facilities lack the heavy‑lift equipment required for large‑scale retrofits. Las Palmas bridges this gap, offering world‑class capabilities at a strategic midpoint. As energy transition drives a shift toward renewable offshore installations, the yard’s flexibility to handle both oil‑gas rigs and emerging wind platform upgrades positions it as a pivotal player in the evolving maritime ecosystem.