Topaz Marine Engineering Division (TMED), a leader for marine engineering services, has opened its new ship repair facility at Abu Dhabi Ports Company’s (ADPC) Free Port next to the Zayed Port.

The facility, for which the land was leased by ADPC, is located to the emirate’s main shipping lanes and is ideally placed to serve vessels operating within or passing through Abu Dhabi waters, said a statement.

It has been set up to provide a support to the Abu Dhabi and UAE marine sector and complements ADPC’s service offerings in the Free Port, it said.

The new facility is the result of a new deal between ADPC and TMED, with both companies having signed a one-year contract with the option to extend for up to three years.

Under the terms of the contract, ADPC is leasing the berth and an adjacent area of land at its Free Port to TMED which is providing the floating dock, necessary staff and repair expertise.

TMED is employing a highly skilled ship repair team of over 150 people to operate the new facility which offers a comprehensive range of world-class services.

It includes afloat repair, workshop and underwater repairs, fuel injection, governor, marine automation, instrumentation, hydraulic and boiler services, as well as transmission, gear boxes, turbochargers and numerous other specialities.

Mohammed Juma Al Shamisi, chief executive officer, ADPC, said: “We are very pleased about the establishment of this new ship repair facility and very proud to have welcomed the famous ‘Maersk Alabama’ as our first customer.

“The new facility completes our offerings in the Free Port and will significantly facilitate trade. The location of the facility is ideal as it is close to Abu Dhabi’s main shipping channel and offers quick turnaround times.”

Geoff Taylor, managing director of Topaz Marine, said: “We are very proud to fly the flag for ship repair in Abu Dhabi and could not have found a better location than the ADPC Free Port in which to set up this enterprise. From our first discussions until the opening of the facility, ADPC have supported us at every level and we are honoured to be associated with such an esteemed and forward thinking organisation.”  - TradeArabia News Service