Abu Dhabi Ports Group has strengthened its international presence by acquiring Spain’s Balenciaga Astaleros Shipyard. This move expands the group’s operations in the offshore wind energy sector. The purchase was completed through its subsidiaries SFEEN Drydocks and part of Nautum Marine for €11.2 million.
The shipyard, located in Spain’s Basque Country, will continue operating under the name Balenciaga Shipyard. It has nearly a century of shipbuilding experience. The facility includes two dry docks, a 105-meter slipway, a 22,385-square-meter factory, and a 3,530-square-meter parts building.
Moreover, the shipyard specializes in advanced service vessels, floating platforms for offshore wind farms, research vessels, and specialized tugboats. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, it handles highly complex engineering projects.
Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO of Maritime and Shipping at Abu Dhabi Ports Group, said the acquisition supports the group’s strategy of global expansion and portfolio diversification. “Balenciaga Shipyard’s expertise will improve our capabilities in the offshore wind energy sector. It will also help transfer knowledge and implement best practices across SFEEN Drydocks,” he said.
He added that integrating this shipyard strengthens the group’s ability to support the global shift to clean energy. “This investment will create high-value jobs and new economic opportunities,” he noted.
Furthermore, the deal complements Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s recent partnership with Masdar. The partnership focuses on developing and executing offshore wind energy projects. The shipyard’s location near the North Sea and European markets allows it to meet rising demand for specialized service vessels.
The acquisition will create more than 50 specialized jobs. It will also support ongoing and future shipbuilding projects while helping Abu Dhabi Ports Group meet fleet requirements.
Overall, this acquisition highlights Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s commitment to advancing the offshore wind energy sector. Through strategic investments and partnerships, the group aims to lead in sustainable energy solutions and boost economic growth. Balenciaga Shipyard now positions Abu Dhabi Ports Group as a key player in the rapidly growing offshore wind energy sector, strengthening both global reach and technological expertise.
