Abu Dhabi Marine Services “Safeen” marks new milestones reflecting rapid growth of Abu Dhabi Ports
Abu Dhabi Marine Services “Safeen”, the marine services subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports, supporting the operations of the network of ports and harbours across the emirate of Abu Dhabi with a range of maritime and quayside-support services, announced today significant milestones reinforcing Abu Dhabi Ports’ continued expansion and latest remarkable results, the company said in its press release.
Three new state-of-the-art tugs, specialising in towing and escorting the world’s largest ships that now regularly call at locations in Abu Dhabi, have been integrated into Safeen’s existing fleet. The 75 BP ASD Azimuth Stern Drive tugs based at Khalifa Port can support the latest generation post-panamax container vessels capable of handling some 18,000 TEUs (standard 20-foot containers).
The acquisition of the tugs reflects the increasing demand in the first half of 2016, reiterating the status of Abu Dhabi’s ports as among the fastest growing in the world. With their strategic location, the ports serve as gateways to the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region that is estimated to be worth US$10 trillion by 2020.
Over the years Safeen has also strengthened its reputation as one of the safest and most environmentally responsible global service operators across its range of services that include vessel assistance, navigational support, inspections and shipping maintenance at Abu Dhabi’s ports and harbours. Safeen has received the internationally prestigious ISO 14001: 2004 recognising best practices in environmental management systems, and the OHSAS 18001: 2007 issued by Lloyd’s of London certifying best-in-class occupational health and safety in the maritime, shipping and logistics sectors.
More recently, Safeen passed an important work safety milestone clocking up some one million Working Hours without Lost Injury Time - an important industry standard in demonstrating safe working practices.
Launched in 2013, Safeen has made strong progress in its three years of operations and currently boasts nine tugs, five pilot boats, six speed boats, one buoy maintenance boat and two oil-spill response boats. In addition, Safeen regularly achieves industry distinctions from leading international bodies, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for safety management, the International Safety Management (ISM) certification and the International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organizations (ISPO) - the industry gold standard.