Al Seer Marine, Damen secure ‘significant’ contract to build OPVs for UAE

Al Seer Marine, a subsidiary of International Holding Company, and Damen International, a part of the Damen family of companies, have secured a ‘significant’ AED 1.3 billion ($354 million) contract with Tawazun Council to manufacture advanced offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). 

Through their joint venture, the companies will build the naval vessels, which are expected to enhance the UAE’s maritime security and defense.

The OPVs will be equipped with modern naval technology and designed with advanced features. These vessels will be capable of conducting a wide range of missions, such as EEZ patrol, EEZ surveillance, EEZ interdiction (piracy, smuggling, environmental protection), maritime law enforcement and coast guard functions, search and rescue (SAR), and disaster relief.

To ensure peak performance of the fleet, the four-year contract includes a comprehensive integrated logistics support (ILS) package. This comprehensive framework ensures predictive maintenance planning, bespoke training analysis, and proactive inventory and obsolescence management. The ILS is designed to enable the vessels to remain mission-ready, Al Seer Marine stated.

“Tawazun’s confidence in the JV capabilities marks a significant milestone, showcasing the strength of our shipbuilding expertise combined with comprehensive fleet support. With our proven track record in manufacturing advanced, globally competitive solutions locally in the UAE, we are committed to enhancing the UAE’s industrial base, ensuring that all the vessels we build uphold the highest levels of operational readiness for national security,” Guy Neivens, CEO of Al Seer Marine, commented.

Damen and Al Seer Marine established their joint venture, Dune, in 2022. The joint venture initially focused on naval shipbuilding. Beyond shipbuilding, Dune offers a range of specialized services, including technical, operational, and commercial vessel management; new build project management; operational and financial business management; and international maritime business facilitation, including global sales and acquisitions of commercial and naval vessels from the UAE.