Port developer and operator Abu Dhabi Ports ordered three new tugboats during the Seatrade Offshore Marine & Workboats Middle East 2017 (SOMWE) held in Abu Dhabi from September 25 to 27.
The new tugs are said to be equipped with “the latest technology with a bollard pull power of 30 tons” . They will service both Musaffah and Zayed Ports and further enhance Abu Dhabi Ports’ existing fleet.
As informed, the two companies that won the public tender are Damen and Sanmar Shipyards. They were selected by the Abu Dhabi Marine Services (SAFEEN), a company wholly owned by Abu Dhabi Ports that provides marine and ancillary quayside services for vessels calling at all ports in Abu Dhabi.
Two tugs have been ordered from Sanmar and one from Damen.
“The past years have been challenging for the industry but we must look at the future with trust and optimism. Today’s announcement is the perfect reflection of our strategy for growth, which was built on continued investment in … infrastructure, technology and skills development,” Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports CEO , commented on the occasion.
“In the past year, we have made strong strides to expand our … service portfolio. We are entering a phase of expansion in our fleet capacity and capability to better cater to the growth of our ports,” Captain Maktoum Al Houqani, Chief Marine Services Officer at SAFEEN, said.