Safin Drydocks concludes strategic shipbuilding contracts worth 1.3 billion dirhams

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Abu Dhabi, June 4, 2017 – Safin Drydocks, the company specializing in shipbuilding, repair and maintenance, announced that it has concluded two strategic shipbuilding contracts with a total value of approximately 1.3 billion dirhams (equivalent to 354 million US dollars), in an achievement that is considered the largest of its kind in the company’s history in terms of the value of contracts awarded, thus enhancing the growing position of the United Arab Emirates as a leading shipbuilding center.

Safin Drydocks is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Premier Marine Engineering Services, and operates within the Notom Marine portfolio of integrated marine services.

The first project includes the design and construction of four 140-meter multi-purpose ships for the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, in one of the largest shipbuilding projects being implemented in the United Arab Emirates. These vessels will support a wide range of shipping and logistics operations, with each vessel having a capacity of 105 passengers and up to 300 containers, including more than 100 delivery points for refrigerated containers, in addition to heavy and high-lift cargo, and up to 1,000 cars and 100 trailers.

The second contract includes the construction of 18 specialized marine support units for the Oil Bank Logistics Company in Nigeria, including tugs and pilot boats of various sizes. These vessels will support port operations and maritime logistics in Nigeria, and the contract is one of the largest international shipbuilding programs awarded to Safin Drydocks.

Safin Drydocks expanded its capabilities to implement advanced shipbuilding and repair programs. The company operates across facilities in the United Arab Emirates and Spain, including its Khalifa Port shipyard and the recently acquired Balenciaga Shipyard, leveraging the integration of multidisciplinary engineering expertise, modular construction methods, precision manufacturing techniques, and a century of shipbuilding experience.

Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of Maritime and Shipping, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, said: “These contracts confirm Safin Drydocks’ ability to implement advanced shipbuilding programs for our local and global customers. From multi-purpose commercial ships to specialized maritime support assets, these projects reflect the strength and diversity of our shipbuilding capabilities in the UAE. Expansion of local capabilities represents a strategic pillar to support industrial growth, enhance flexibility in the maritime sector, and consolidate the country’s position as a promising regional shipbuilding centre.”

For his part, Bioden Otunola, CEO of Oilbank Logistics, said: “This contract represents an important step in strengthening our maritime operations and supporting the development of our infrastructure in ports and offshore platforms in the long term. Safin Drydocks has demonstrated a deep understanding of our operational requirements and high technical expertise to implement a project of this size, and we look forward to these vessels entering service.”

The awarding of these contracts confirms the growing development of the shipbuilding sector in the United Arab Emirates, as national companies such as Safin Drydocks play an increasingly important role in building and delivering advanced ships and enhancing the localization of expertise locally, which supports the ambitions of the United Arab Emirates to consolidate its position as a leading regional center for marine manufacturing.