ADBS lands Bahrain landing craft contract

Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the only dedicated naval shipbuilding and repair facility in the Arabian Gulf, has been awarded a contract by the Bahrain Naval Forces to construct two 42-metre steel landing craft and two 16-metre landing craft made of composite materials. The multi-million dollar contract was won in the face of stiff competition from international shipyards and work will be undertaken at ADSB’s Mussafah shipyard..

The 16-metre craft, the Sea Keeper 715, will be built in ADBS’s state-of-the-art composite workshop and, with a capability of travelling at over 35 knots, are designed for the rapid deployment of personnel and supplies.

CEO William Saltzer said: “This new contract is a major step forward in our development as the recognized supplier and service provider for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) maritime military markets.” A spokesman for the Bahrain Naval Forces said: “ADBS has demonstrated that it can build military vessels to world class standards and we look forward to working with them on this project.” Work is also currently underway at the Mussafah shipyard on the refit and upgrade of ten Bahrain Coast Guard patrol craft in a contract that was awarded last year.