Shippingtelegraph: AD Ports expands Spanish footprint with Balenciaga Astilleros Shipyard takeover

Abu Dhabi’s trade, transport and logistics solutions expert AD Ports Group has expanded its European maritime footprint with the acquisition of Balenciaga Astilleros Shipyard in Spain.

The group said its subsidiary SAFEEN Drydocks, part of Noatum Maritime, has acquired 100% ownership of the shipyard, Spain’s shipbuilding and repair facility, for a total consideration of €11.2m.

The transaction further consolidates the group’s operations in Spain and in the Mediterranean region and complements its growing operations in the offshore wind sector.

Located in the Basque region, the facility will operate under the name Balenciaga Shipyard.

The infrastructure includes two drydocks, a 105-metre slipway, and a factory equipped with automation and fabrication technologies spanning 22,385m².

The shipyard also includes a 3,530m² cutting and manufacturing facility.

According to AD Ports Group, the yard is best known for the structural prefabrication of large modules for offshore projects and for the construction of complex vessels. It is one of very few Spanish shipyards specialising in the construction of advanced service operation vessels (SOVs) which serve as floating bases for offshore wind farms, as well as research vessels, offshore support vessels, and specialised tugs.

AD Ports said the shipyard’s proximity to the North Sea and wider European markets plays an important role in meeting the demand for specialised SOVs, projected to rise significantly in the coming years, and supports the group’s strategy to develop advanced offshore wind capabilities.

The move follows the group’s recent partnership with Masdar aimed at developing offshore wind projects.

Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, said: “Balenciaga Shipyard’s expertise in advanced vessel construction, particularly for the offshore wind sector, will enable us to further our ambitions while facilitating knowledge transfer and best practice adoption across SAFEEN Drydocks.

“Integrating one of Spain’s most advanced shipyards into our portfolio strengthens our capabilities to support the global clean energy transition while contributing to the creation of high-value jobs and economic opportunity in key markets.”