ADPC launches marine services firm

Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) on Monday announced the launch of a subsidiary company, ADPC Marine Services, to provide expertise in areas that include pilotage, harbour towage and mooring and allied services.

The new company would also provide vessel traffic services and aids to navigation service.

“ADPC Marine Services is 100 per cent owned by ADPC and is being set up with an investment of about Dh80 million. We expect to break even in the first year of our operations,” Hamad Al Maghrabi, general manager of ADPC Marine Services told Gulf News by telephone.

He said ADPC Marine Services would provide its services at the sea ports of ADPC in Abu Dhabi. These include ports at Mina Zayed, the Khalifa port, Musaffah and small and big ports located in the western region.

“We are also going to provide some of our specialised services to Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport. In due course, our aim is to expand our services in the wider gulf region,” said Al Maghrabi.

ADPC Marine Services will offer a team of more than 160 employees, dedicated to such areas including: experienced pilots, marine crew, technicians and other customer-focused staff.

“With an ever-increasing rise in maritime trade, into and from Abu Dhabi, it was clear that a professional marine services company would add value to the emirate’s growing list of shipping lines. The specialised departments, within ADPC Marine Services, are designed to provide a complete and world-class marine service offering that will meet and exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Al Maghrabi.

ADPC Marine Services will initially operate a fleet of six tugs, four pilot boats, six speedboats, and one buoy maintenance boat.