Abu Dhabi Ports launches UAE Shipbuilders Coalition to strengthen national shipbuilding sector
Abu Dhabi Ports launches the UAE Shipbuilders Coalition to unite shipbuilding capacity, streamline procurement and give SMEs access to larger maritime projects.
The Abu Dhabi Ports Group announced the creation of the UAE Shipbuilders Coalition, a strategic industry alliance designed to integrate national capabilities across shipbuilding, repair and marine engineering. The coalition, led by Nautom Marine under Abu Dhabi Ports’ maritime and shipping cluster, brings together a preliminary group of domestic firms to improve project coordination, procurement efficiency and the competitiveness of the UAE maritime manufacturing sector.
Coalition launch and stated aims
Abu Dhabi Ports framed the initiative as the first dedicated shipbuilders’ coalition in the UAE, with goals that include strengthening industrial integration and elevating national capacity in maritime manufacturing. Officials said the coalition will work to improve transparency over project stages, coordinate procurement processes and support synchronized execution across the value chain. The stated ambition is to enable faster delivery of complex projects while raising the profile of Emirati shipbuilding in regional and global markets.
Founding members and industrial reach
The initial membership list comprises a mix of shipyards, steel producers, marine engineering firms and specialist manufacturers drawn from across the UAE. Participating companies include Abu Dhabi Ports, Nautom Marine, Svein for Dry Docks, Premier Marine Engineering Services, Dubai Shipbuilding & Engineering, Al Seer Marine, Dutch Oriental, GOM Engineering, SEFI, Blue Gulf Shipbuilding and MBK Marine Industries, among others. Together these firms represent small, medium and large capabilities spanning hull construction, outfitting, repairs and engineering services.
Procurement, project visibility and efficiency
One of the coalition’s principal objectives is to streamline procurement across member organisations to reduce duplication and improve value for money. By aligning purchasing practices and sharing project data, members aim to shorten lead times for critical materials such as steel and propulsion components. Coalition organizers say improved visibility across project stages will enable earlier problem detection and more coordinated resource allocation, which should reduce overruns and support predictable delivery schedules.
SME access and local yard participation
A key pillar of the initiative is expanding opportunities for small and medium-sized local shipyards to participate in larger contracts. The coalition intends to create pathways that allow smaller yards to join bigger projects as subcontractors or consortium partners, strengthening the domestic supply chain. Organizers expect this approach to increase local content, support workforce development and help smaller businesses scale their technical capabilities to meet international standards.
Nautom Marine to coordinate sector-wide efforts
Nautom Marine, operating within Abu Dhabi Ports’ maritime and shipping cluster, will lead coordination efforts for the coalition and act as a central facilitator between members. The unit will provide program management, oversee standards alignment and help identify collaborative opportunities for joint bids and shared infrastructure. Officials described Nautom’s role as catalytic: connecting commercial demand with local supply and shepherding cooperative arrangements that enhance overall execution capacity.
Expected industry impact and strategic alignment
Abu Dhabi Ports has framed the coalition as part of a broader push to develop national industrial capabilities and diversify the economy in line with UAE strategic priorities. Mohammed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said the move reflects a commitment to building domestic manufacturing strength and expanding the country’s role in maritime trade and shipbuilding. Industry observers say the coalition could improve competitiveness by concentrating expertise, standardising practices and creating a clearer pipeline for skills development and export-ready fabrication.
The coalition is also expected to support technology transfer, workforce training and the adoption of international quality standards across member yards. Improved coordination may attract larger regional and international contracts by presenting an integrated Emirati offer that can handle complex new-build and retrofit scopes.
Early actions will focus on mapping current capabilities across members, identifying shared procurement needs and establishing governance for joint work. Organisers say the coalition will prioritise quick wins that demonstrate the benefits of collaboration, with a view to scaling the model to a wider set of national and regional partners.
This initiative positions the UAE to better capitalise on rising regional demand for naval, commercial and offshore support vessels, while creating pathways for local firms to participate in higher-value segments of the maritime industry. The coalition’s success will hinge on sustained cooperation, transparent contracting practices and ongoing investment in skills and production infrastructure.