McDermott Altamira facility is the first fabrication free trade zone in Mexico

McDermott International, Inc. has received authorisation from the Central Administration of Customs in Mexico to operate its Altamira fabrication facility near Tampico, Mexico, as a free trade zone.

The first fabrication facility licensed to operate as a free trade zone in Mexico, Altamira is a focal point for fabrication on the Gulf of Mexico coast, serving both PEMEX domestic requirements and export work for international clients.

“The benefits of operating as a free trade zone to McDermott’s international clients is through the ability to import components, construction materials and equipment cost-effectively, to provide a competitive alternative to US and other fabrication facilities,” said Dominic Savarino, Vice President and General Manager, Americas.

This improved construction environment supports the execution of larger and more complex projects from within Mexico. It enables McDermott to better serve its clients through a top-tier fabrication facility, with a highly skilled in-country workforce, and proximity to good transportation infrastructure that supports the further development of the local economy.

With the Mexican energy reform potentially opening up the Mexican market, PEMEX will require expertise from international energy majors for field development, as well as engineering and construction contractors such as McDermott. Equipped with the necessary technology, solutions and expertise to supply the market with the right people, assets and technology for economical and safe deep-water solutions, McDermott’s Altamira free trade zone fabrication facility is firmly positioned to support international clients and the domestic Mexican market as it expands into deepwater and complex projects. As Mexico becomes an established energy centre, the benefits from hydrocarbon production will have a multiplier effect, providing opportunities for jobs in the country and growth for the local economy to accelerate domestic wealth.

About Altamira fabrication facility

The McDermott Altamira fabrication facility in Mexico opened in 2007 and is designed, built and operated as part of a unique global fabrication solution to ensure an efficient, first-class operation to serve both local Mexican and international clients. It is located within the sheltered Port of Altamira with deep-water access and no restrictions to the Gulf of Mexico, and benefits from its proximity to good transport infrastructure. It has been developed through staged upgrades and within the 119 acre site is a large 3.1 acre enclosed assembly area with protective covered bays equipped to allow work to be performed during inclement weather for improved conditions and productivity. The deep-water quayside has a water depth of 39 ft. At 1640 ft long the quayside can support FPSO module fabrication and integration, as well as topsides integration for TLP and Semisubmersible hulls. Since it opened, the yard has steadily built backlog, infrastructure, a highly-skilled local workforce, and the proven project experience necessary to demonstrate it can offer economical and safe construction solutions. These key factors combine to create a highly competitive offering for offshore construction projects.

Adapted from a press release by David Bizley

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/07012015/mcdermott-altamira-facility-is-the-first-fabrication-free-trade-zone-in-mexico/