SAFEEN Drydocks has secured two landmark vessel construction contracts worth a combined $354 million (AED 1.3 billion), marking the largest deals in the company’s history and underscoring the UAE’s rising status as a regional shipbuilding hub.
SAFEEN Drydocks is a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Premier Marine Engineering Services, operating within Noatum Maritime’s portfolio, as part of its broader offering of integrated maritime services.
The first project involves designing and building four 140-meter multipurpose vessels for AD Ports Group, marking one of the largest maritime vessel initiatives ever undertaken in the UAE.
Supporting a range of cargo and logistics operations, each will have capacity for 105 passengers, up to 300 containers, including more than 100 reefer plugs, as well as high and heavy cargo, and up to 1000 cars and 100 trailers.
The second award relates to the construction of 18 specialized marine support units for Nigeria’s Oilbank Logistics Services Ltd, including tugboats and pilot boats of various sizes. These will support port operations and offshore logistics in Nigeria and represent one of the biggest international vessel programs secured by SAFEEN Drydocks.
SAFEEN Drydocks supports industrial growth and maritime resilience
Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, said that, “These contract awards demonstrate SAFEEN Drydocks’ ability to deliver complex vessel construction programs for both local and international customers.”
“From multipurpose commercial vessels to specialized marine support assets, the projects demonstrate the strength and versatility of our shipbuilding capabilities in the UAE. Expanding in-country capacity remains strategically important, supporting industrial growth, strengthening resilience across the maritime sector, and reinforcing the UAE’s position as an emerging regional shipbuilding hub,” Al Shaiba added.
Biodun Otunola, Executive Director of Oilbank Logistics Services Ltd, noted that, “This contract represents an important step in strengthening our marine operations and supporting the long-term development of our port and offshore infrastructure. SAFEEN Drydocks demonstrated a strong understanding of our operational requirements and the technical expertise to deliver a project of this scale, and we look forward to bringing these vessels into service.”
