ABU DHABI — Dutch shipbuilder Damen Schelde is expanding its influence in the Arabian Gulf region with an agreement to design and build two high-speed offshore patrol vessels for the UAE Coast Guard.
The Arialah project will deliver two heavily-armed, 67-meter ships to the UAE's Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority. The ships will be built at Damen's shipyard in Galati, Romania, then moved to Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), where they'll be fitted out under Damen's direction.
The arrangement with ADSB comes in addition to the establishment of Damen Shipyard Sharjah (DSS), said Richard Keulen, head of Damen's naval sales support in the Mideast. The facility in the nearby emirate began operations in 2013, and builds commercial craft along with tugs for the UAE Navy.
Digital Show Daily: Complete coverage from IDEX
Damen also has a cooperative arrangement in Nakilat Damen Shipyard in Qatar, which opened in 2010.
While Damen has no more expansion plans on the table for the Mideast, Keulen said the company is actively marketing its variety of naval designs, including small frigates and corvettes, patrol ships, multipurpose amphibious ships and support ships.
"We provide it all, including systems support and training," he said.
"This is an important region," Keulen added, noting the presence at IDEX/NAVDEX of Dutch Defense Minister Janine Hennis-Plasschaert. "The government-to-government relationship is very important."
Email: ccavas@defensenews.com
