SAFEEN buys its largest vessel, closes acquisition digitally

SAFEEN, a maritime service arm of Abu Dhabi Ports, has acquired a Post Panamax bulk carrier, the largest vessel ever to join its fleet.

Built in Romania and in service since 2006, the vessel will operate under the name Hafeet and will initially undergo an extensive conversion, prior to commencing operations.

With a summer deadweight of up to 101,648 metric tonnes and diesel engines capable of generating up to 15,200 horsepower, M/V Hafeet includes a total of seven holds for cargo storage.

The ship will be fitted with four cranes and a conveyor system needed for cargo handling as well as new hoppers, grabs, and additional generators to support its increased power requirements. It is set to start operations in January, 2021.

M/V Hafeet will be based at Musaffah and will be tasked primarily with discharging bulk iron ore bound for Emirates Steel from incoming bulk carriers, thus supporting the company’s transhipment requirements.

“The vessel is part of a larger expansion strategy by Abu Dhabi Ports aimed at broadening our portfolio of services, and taking our experience and service excellence to the wider bulk transhipment market,” Captain Adil Banihammad, Head of Maritime Cluster & Chief Executive Officer, SAFEEN – Abu Dhabi Ports, said.

The closing of the vessel acquisition was carried out completely digitally, the first time for all parties involved.