Abu Dhabi Ports Group, through its subsidiary SAFEEN Drydocks, has fully acquired Balenciaga Astilleros Shipyard in Spain for $13.1 million. This acquisition strengthens the group’s presence in Spain and the Mediterranean, while also enhancing its capabilities in the offshore wind sector. The shipyard, now renamed Balenciaga Shipyard, boasts nearly a century of shipbuilding experience and advanced infrastructure, including two drydocks and extensive manufacturing facilities.
Balenciaga Shipyard is known for its expertise in structural prefabrication for offshore projects, particularly in constructing Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) used in offshore wind farms, as well as research and support vessels. This acquisition aligns with AD Ports Group’s recent partnership with Masdar to pursue offshore wind initiatives, positioning the group to meet the growing demand for specialized vessels in the North Sea and European markets.
The deal is expected to generate over 50 skilled jobs and bolster a pipeline of specialized vessel projects. Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, emphasized that integrating this advanced shipyard will enhance their capabilities in supporting the global transition to clean energy while creating economic opportunities in key markets.
