Abu Dhabi’s SAFEEN acquires large bulk carrier

SAFEEN, Abu Dhabi Ports’ maritime service arm, has announced a successful acquisition of a Post Panamax bulk carrier, making it largest vessel ever to join its inventory.

Built in Romania and in service since 2006, the vessel will operate under the name “HAFEET” and will initially undergo an extensive conversion, prior to commencing operations. The refitting will include state-of-the-art cranes and conveyor system, which, when combined with other design parameters, will render the vessel a potent and efficient transhipment platform, enabling SAFEEN to provide solid bulk cargo transhipment services.

Once its conversion is fully complete in the latter part of 2020, M/V HAFEET will be based at Musaffah and will be tasked with supporting Emirates Steel’s transhipment requirements. Commencing its operations in January 2021, the vessel will assist in discharging bulk iron ore bound for Emirates Steel from incoming bulk carriers more efficiently, thereby economising the turnaround time for the large ocean going vessels.

Captain Adil Banihammad, Head of Maritime Cluster & Chief Executive Officer, SAFEEN – Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “The acquisition and the eventual commissioning of HAFEET marks a significant step for our SAFEEN team as it greatly enhances our ability to serve our customers and provide them with world-class maritime services. Even more importantly, however, the vessel is part of a larger expansion strategy by Abu Dhabi Ports aimed at broadening our portfolio of services, and taking our experience and service excellence to the wider bulk transshipment market. We firmly believe that by challenging ourselves and looking beyond our horizons, we will benefit not only our current and future customers, but also our broader emirate as well.”

Boasting a summer deadweight of up to 101,648 metric tonnes and diesel engines capable of generating up to 15,200 horsepower, M/V HAFEET includes a total of seven holds for cargo storage, making it a natural fit for the delivery of efficient transhipment services.

Aside from being fitted with four advanced cranes and a conveyor system needed for cargo handling, the vessel will receive new hoppers, grabs, and additional generators to support its increased power requirements.