Deals totalling Dh 55 million unveiled at Mid East Workboats Show

Abu Dhabi: After a record-breaking opening day at ADNEC's Middle East Workboats and Offshore Marine 2013, when six new contracts worth millions of dollars were signed on-site, even more deals were announced at the show yesterday. Moments after the show opened on its second day, the Middle East's largest shipbuilder, Grandweld Shipyards, secured a repeat order worth Dh 18.35 million to build a new 42 metre aluminium crew boat for Khalid Faraj Shipping. This is the third order received by Grandweld from Khalid Faraj Shipping over the last five months. Grandweld, a fully integrated shipyard providing shipbuilding, ship repair and engineering solutions to the marine industry, is part of Stanford Marine Group which is 51% owned by a fund managed by Abraaj Capital and 49% by Abu Dhabi listed Waha Capital. Middle East Workboats '&' Offshore Marine 2013, the leading regional forum for owners, operators, industry professionals and suppliers, runs until Wednesday, 2nd October, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Building on the success of the 2011 edition, which featured more than 2,800 participants, the show is hosting over 225 exhibiting companies and has seen a 9 per cent increase in sold square metres. The focus of day two was undoubtedly the "Global Workboat Technology Forum", held in strategic partnership with Saudi Aramco. Subsequent presentations were given by Ulf Tudem, General Manager, Effect Ships International AS, covering "Air Supported Vessel technology", and Gary Dockerty, Director, Sanmar Shipyard, who delivered a compelling session about sustainable (LNG powered) tugs. The final day of the show will focus on dynamic positioning with a specific focus on power and control. – Emirates News Agency, WAM