The Abu Dhabi Ports Group has announced that its subsidiary, Safeen Drydocks, has fully acquired the Palencia Astilleros shipyard, a prominent and technologically advanced facility in Spain, for a total cost of €11.2 million. This acquisition bolsters Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s operations in Spain and the Mediterranean region, further supporting its expansion in the offshore wind energy sector.
### Location and Capabilities
Situated in the Basque Country, the shipyard will continue to operate under the name Palencia Shipbuilding Yard. With nearly a century of experience in shipbuilding, it boasts advanced infrastructure, including two dry docks, a 105-meter-long launch platform, and a manufacturing plant covering 22,385 square meters equipped with the latest automation and manufacturing technologies. Additionally, it features a dedicated cutting and fabrication facility spanning 3,530 square meters. The yard is recognized as a leader in producing large prefabricated structures for marine projects and is one of the few shipyards in Spain specializing in advanced service operation vessels, which serve as floating bases for offshore wind farms, as well as research vessels, marine support ships, and specialized tugboats.
### Strategic Significance
Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO of Maritime and Shipping at Abu Dhabi Ports Group, stated, “This acquisition serves as a solid testament to our strategy aimed at international expansion and diversifying our business portfolio. The advanced capabilities of the Palencia Shipbuilding Yard in constructing sophisticated vessels, particularly those designed for the offshore wind energy sector, will enhance our ambitions and support knowledge transfer and best practices across Safeen Drydocks’ operations. Integrating one of the most advanced shipyards in Spain into our portfolio will strengthen our ability to support the global transition towards clean energy, create high-value job opportunities, and foster economic growth in vital markets.”
This investment further amplifies Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s contributions to the global offshore wind energy generation market, especially following the recent announcement of its partnership with Masdar to collaborate on developing and implementing offshore wind energy projects. With the anticipated rise in demand for specialized service operation vessels in the coming years, the strategic location of the Palencia Shipbuilding Yard near the North Sea and European markets will play a crucial role in meeting this demand, aligning with the group’s strategy to advance capabilities in offshore wind energy.