Al Seer Marine and Damen International have formed a joint venture that has secured a substantial AED 1.3 billion contract with Tawazun Council. This partnership aims to enhance the UAE’s naval capabilities by manufacturing advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) over a four-year project period. The collaboration represents a significant step forward in bolstering the UAE’s maritime security and defense landscape.

The OPVs will be designed with advanced features and outfitted with cutting-edge naval technology. These vessels will perform various critical missions, including Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Patrol, EEZ Surveillance, EEZ Interdiction—addressing piracy, smuggling, and environmental protection—as well as maritime law enforcement, coast guard operations, search and rescue, and disaster relief initiatives.

Guy Neivens, the CEO of Al Seer Marine, stated that the joint venture’s success reflects Tawazun’s confidence in their capabilities. He emphasized that this collaboration showcases the strength of their shipbuilding expertise and commitment to enhancing the UAE’s industrial base. The vessels will be manufactured locally to ensure they meet the highest standards of operational readiness for national security.

In addition to vessel construction, the contract includes a comprehensive Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package. This package is designed to guarantee optimal fleet performance through predictive maintenance planning, tailored training analyses, and proactive inventory management. The ILS framework will help ensure that the vessels remain mission-ready with minimal downtime.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for the UAE’s maritime defense industry. By delivering state-of-the-art naval vessels and extensive support services, the joint venture will play a crucial role in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to secure its maritime interests and enhance national defense capabilities.