en.Wedoany.com Reported - Recently, Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports Group) announced that its joint venture shipyard, SAFEEN Drydocks, has secured two major shipbuilding contracts with a total value of up to AED 1.3 billion (approximately USD 354 million, or RMB 2.397 billion).
This is the largest order received by SAFEEN Drydocks since its establishment, covering 22 new vessels, further highlighting the UAE's growing influence as a regional shipbuilding hub. SAFEEN Drydocks is a joint venture ship repair and construction enterprise established by Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Premier Marine Engineering Services. It operates under the Noatum Maritime business system and is a key component of its integrated maritime service system.
These two new orders include the design and construction of four 140-meter multipurpose vessels for Abu Dhabi Ports Group, making it one of the largest maritime vessel projects ever undertaken in the UAE. Additionally, SAFEEN Drydocks will build 18 specialized maritime support vessels for Nigerian logistics company Oilbank Logistics Services Ltd, including various specifications of tugs and pilot boats.
It is reported that the four multipurpose vessels ordered by Abu Dhabi Ports Group are expected to be delivered in 2028, with a total tonnage of 20,000 tons. These vessels will serve various cargo and logistics operations, each capable of carrying 105 passengers and loading up to 300 containers (including over 100 reefer plug points), while also having the capacity to transport oversized and heavy cargo, as well as up to 1,000 cars and 100 trailers.
The 18 new vessels ordered by Oilbank Logistics will be used to support port operations and maritime logistics activities in Nigeria. This is also one of the largest international shipbuilding projects ever undertaken by SAFEEN Drydocks.
In recent years, SAFEEN Drydocks has continuously enhanced its delivery capabilities for complex newbuild and repair projects. The company currently operates facilities in the UAE and Spain, including a shipyard at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and the recently acquired Balenciaga Shipyard in Spain. Leveraging multidisciplinary engineering capabilities, modular construction technology, precision manufacturing processes, and a century of shipbuilding experience, the company has established a comprehensive shipbuilding system.
Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster at Abu Dhabi Ports Group, stated: "These contracts fully demonstrate SAFEEN Drydocks' ability to deliver complex shipbuilding projects for local and international clients. From multipurpose commercial vessels to specialized maritime support vessels, these projects showcase the strength and diverse capabilities of the UAE's shipbuilding industry. Expanding local shipbuilding capacity is of significant strategic importance, as it not only drives industrial growth and enhances the resilience of the maritime supply chain but also further solidifies the UAE's position as an emerging regional shipbuilding hub."
Biodun Otunola, Managing Director of Oilbank Logistics, stated: "This latest order is a crucial step in enhancing our maritime operational capabilities and supporting the long-term development of ports and offshore infrastructure. SAFEEN Drydocks fully understands our operational needs and possesses the technical expertise required to complete a project of this scale. We look forward to these new vessels entering service soon."
The signing of these contracts also reflects the growing maturity of the UAE's shipbuilding ecosystem. Local shipyards, represented by SAFEEN Drydocks, are playing an increasingly important role in advanced vessel construction, localization of maritime expertise, and driving the UAE's development as a regional maritime manufacturing hub.
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