en.Wedoany.com Reported - Balenciaga Shipyard held a keel laying ceremony for its first newbuild vessel after resuming operations, marking a new phase of recovery and renewal for one of the oldest shipbuilding facilities in the Basque Country. The ceremony took place at the shipyard in Zumaia, Gipuzkoa, with representatives from AD Ports Group, the Basque Government, institutional partners, suppliers, and shipyard employees in attendance.
Formerly known as Astilleros Balenciaga S.A., Balenciaga Shipyard has been an integral part of the Basque maritime landscape since 1921. Over more than a century, the shipyard has built hundreds of vessels, once serving as a benchmark for the Spanish shipbuilding industry and a cornerstone of the economy in Zumaia and the surrounding region. Recently acquired by SAFEEN Drydocks, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi's AD Ports Group, the shipyard has entered a new chapter defined by fresh investment, industrial ambition, and a commitment to Basque employees and the community.
Mikel Jauregi, Minister of Industry, Energy Transition, and Sustainability of the Basque Government, stated: "Today we celebrate the return of Balenciaga. It has been a long and difficult journey, but we never gave up. Thank you to the employees and their families for their trust in the future of Balenciaga. Finally, a warm welcome to our new partners, who can count on our support to continue the illustrious history of this century-old company."
Keel laying is a centuries-old maritime tradition that marks the formal placement of a vessel's structural skeleton. The ceremony not only signified the physical start of construction but also the full resumption of Balenciaga Shipyard as an active, forward-looking operational entity.
Santiago Bardal, General Manager of Balenciaga Shipyard, said: "This keel laying is not just the start of construction; it is proof that Balenciaga Shipyard is back in operation. The shipyard's employees have kept its spirit alive through difficult times, and today we begin building on that foundation. We thank AD Ports Group for its commitment and everyone who has placed their trust in this shipyard."
The vessel under construction is an offshore support tug, one of two offshore tugs being built as part of an existing order. This order positions Balenciaga Shipyard as a credible and competitive builder in the European offshore and renewable energy market. Currently, the shipyard is targeting additional contracts in the offshore wind sector, where demand for specialized vessels continues to grow.
Under new ownership, Balenciaga Shipyard is investing in its workforce, facilities, automation, and supply chain. The shipyard collaborates with local and regional industrial partners, maintaining its role as a key employer in the economy of Zumaia and the wider Gipuzkoa region.
Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, stated: "The resumption of operations at Balenciaga Shipyard marks a significant milestone in our long-term commitment to strengthening Europe's advanced shipbuilding capabilities and supporting the growth of the offshore and renewable energy sectors. This first keel laying under new ownership demonstrates our confidence in the shipyard's workforce, heritage, and technical expertise, as well as its potential to deliver specialized vessels for key international market clients."
