Berge resignation confirmed as ASRY outline “seamless" transition to Mustafa

Bahrain-based Arab Ship Repair Yard (ASRY) has confirmed the shock resignation of chief executive Nils Kristian Berge, saying the Norwegian is to return home for family reasons.

As Seatrade Maritime News revealed yesterday on breaking the news of Berge’s unexpected departure, Magdy Mustafa has been named acting chief executive.

In a brief two paragraph statement, the pan-Arab ship and rig repair yard said Mustafa would fulfil his current role as ASRY’s procurement and contracts gm in addition to “all chief executive duties”, effective September 1.

There was no mention of Berge in the statement other than confirmation of his resignation. It comes after the man he succeeded, Chris Potter, reportedly departed suddenly in September 2013 following what is understood to have been a disagreement with some main board directors on strategic direction.

ASRY stressed to Seatrade Maritime News that there has been “no disagreement with the Board of Directors” in Berge’s case.

“The Board of Directors confirmed the transition has been carefully planned in order to ensure a smooth and seamless transfer of responsibilities,” the statement read.

Magdy Mustafa 600Mustafa (pictured left) began working at ASRY in 1978 and has become one of the company’s most experienced employees after filling various roles in the past 38 years, ASRY said.

“Having been with the company since just after its inception in 1977, seeing the trajectory of the company over several decades, and being an integral part of its evolution, Mustafa is ideally positioned to provide steady leadership at this transitional time.”

Founded in 1977 in Bahrain, ASRY’s facilities include a 500,000dwt dry dock, two floating docks of 252m and 227m in length, 15 repair berths with a total length of approximately 4,000m, twin 255m slipways, as well as a full range of workshops and service centres.

ASRY’s portfolio also includes jack-up rigs and other offshore assets linked to its offshore services division, an energy division dedicated to the production of power generation barges, and a consultancy division for marine engineering packages.

Scroll to Top