Marine services company launched for Abu Dhabi ports

Abu Dhabi Ports Company yesterday launched a new marine services company to provide ship handling across the emirate's ports. Related Khalifa Port is preparing to take delivery of a second batch of automated cranes to meet rising demand. The port has been operating for six months. Karim Sahib One million containers this year for Khalifa Port Business inquiries about Abu Dhabi's Kizad skyrocket The new unit, to be called ADPC Marine Services will provide pilotage; tugs and harbour towage; mooring services; vessel traffic services; and aids to navigation. "With an ever-increasing rise in maritime trade, into and from Abu Dhabi, it was clear that a professional marine services company would add value to the emirate's growing list of shipping lines," said Hamad Al Maghrabi, the general manager of ADPC Marine Services. "The specialised departments within ADPC Marine Services are designed to provide a complete and world-class marine service offering that will meet and exceed our customers' expectations." The new company will employ 160 people including 19 experienced pilots, marine crew, technicians and customer-focused staff. It will offer a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week, pilotage service and a fleet of six tugs, four pilot boats, six speedboats and one buoy maintenance boat. ADPC Marine Services' management of the aids to navigation will require it to maintain more than 950 buoys and beacons, as well as having responsibilities for inspecting and maintaining buoys and beacons from the likes of the Abu Dhabi Department of Transportation, General Headquarters, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and the Middle East Navigation Aids Service, in all of Abu Dhabi's territorial waters. ADPC Marine Services has been launched as an autonomous subsidiary under the ADPC group of companies and will initially serve all Abu Dhabi ports with plans for further expansion beyond, earmarked as part of its future ambition and developments. From The National.