Sfeen Dry Docks Wins AED 1.3bn Shipbuilding Contracts for Abu Dhabi Ports and Nigerian Oil Bank
Sfeen Dry Docks secures AED 1.3bn shipbuilding contracts to build four 140m multipurpose vessels for Abu Dhabi Ports and 18 marine support units for Nigeria.
Sfeen Dry Docks announced it has signed two shipbuilding contracts with a combined value of about AED 1.3 billion, in a major boost for the UAE’s naval construction sector.
The company said one agreement covers the design and construction of four 140-metre multipurpose vessels for Abu Dhabi Ports, while the other involves 18 specialised support units for Oil Bank Logistics in Nigeria.
The contracts, described by the firm as among the largest shipbuilding projects in the UAE, will expand Sfeen’s production pipeline and underpin a wide range of shipping and logistics activities.
Scope and value of the agreements
Sfeen’s statement confirmed the total contract value at roughly AED 1.3 billion, split between a domestic order for Abu Dhabi Ports and an international supply deal for Nigeria.
The Abu Dhabi Ports contract calls for full design and build services for four multipurpose vessels, each about 140 metres long, intended to support diverse cargo and logistics roles.
The Nigerian contract covers 18 marine support units, including tugs and pilot boats in varying sizes, tailored to offshore and harbour operations managed by Oil Bank Logistics.
Details on the multipurpose vessels for Abu Dhabi Ports
The four 140-metre vessels will be built to multipurpose specifications to enable flexible deployment across commercial shipping and logistical support tasks.
Sfeen indicated the ships will support a broad range of port and shipping services, enhancing cargo handling and operational responsiveness at Abu Dhabi Ports’ terminals and associated facilities.
By commissioning locally designed and built tonnage, Abu Dhabi Ports is reinforcing supply-chain resilience and promoting shipyard activity within the UAE.
Composition of the Nigerian support vessel package
The second contract will see Sfeen construct 18 specialised support units for Oil Bank Logistics, a Nigerian maritime services provider.
The package includes harbour tugs and pilot boats of different sizes, designed to meet the operational needs of Nigeria’s coastal and offshore service sectors.
These units are intended for tasks such as manoeuvring and escorting larger vessels, pilotage, and other port-support functions critical to safe marine operations.
Industrial and strategic significance for UAE shipbuilding
Industry observers say contracts of this scale signal growing confidence in the UAE’s shipbuilding and repair capacity.
Projects that combine domestic and export customers help local yards scale up, attract skilled labour, and justify investment in facilities and technology.
Sfeen’s wins reinforce the UAE’s aim to capture a larger share of regional maritime procurement while supplying specialised assets to international clients.
Economic and employment implications
Large shipbuilding programmes typically generate direct employment in yards plus indirect roles in suppliers and logistics, boosting local industrial ecosystems.
While Sfeen did not publish detailed job forecasts with the announcement, the company said the contracts will support an expanded production schedule and increase activity across its manufacturing and repair lines.
The expected uptick in workload may also stimulate demand among local subcontractors for steelwork, outfitting, and marine systems.
Delivery, timelines and next steps
Sfeen’s release did not specify exact delivery dates or the phased timetable for the two programmes.
The contracts encompass full design work and construction for the multipurpose vessels, and tailored construction for the 18 support units, signalling a multi-stage process from engineering through sea trials.
The firm said it will provide updates on production milestones as projects progress.
The combined agreements mark a substantive commercial achievement for Sfeen Dry Docks, underscoring the yard’s growing role in regional shipbuilding and its capacity to deliver both large-scale multipurpose vessels and specialised marine support craft to international clients.