Abu Dhabi MAR Shipyard, UAE

Founded over two years ago, Abu Dhabi MAR Shipyard (formerly Abu Dhabi MAR) was initially incorporated to build two extraordinary superyachts for VIP Gulf clients. When launched in 2010 and 2012 respectively, the 465- foot Swift141 and 445-foot Swift135 will occupy high positions on the current grand list of the world’s longest yachts. With breathtaking originality of design, advanced engineering and superb multi-material construction, they will feature in the long-term annals of yachting on a grand scale. With craftsmanship undertaken by experts selected from the world’s best sources, every aspect is being painstakingly completed to the highest international standards.

The high-performance steel hulls were originally built for the Royal Dutch Navy as platforms for frigates to defend homeland waters. The UAE Navy acquired them, but soon decided to replace them. Rather than scrap two highly valued hulls, with perfect proportions and efficient forms, shipyard backers attracted two clients whose imaginations were piqued by the electrifying possibilities of speed, grace, and luxury of naval hulls being adapted as private yachts. The clients were also persuaded by the irresistible reality that translating an existing naval hull into a private yacht is a much shorter process than designing and building an equivalent yacht from the keel up.

The futurist shaping and modern interior styling of the Swifts are by Pierrejean Design Studio in Paris. Engineering and technical design of the yachts is being accomplished by the Abu Dhabi MAR Shipyard team, in cooperation with prime global specialists, in systems, equipment, exterior and interior outfitting.

To make this happen, in late spring 2009 the management moved into a new home – a superb new state-of-the-art facility in Abu Dhabi’s Port Zayed area, opposite Saadiyat Island Culture Centre, where the new Guggenheim and Louvre Museums are being erected. The facility, when complete, will have an area of nearly 200,000 square metres. To further prove the shipyard’s ability to handle a variety of materials, two other large yachts are under construction there: a modern 54-metre motor catamaran built in alloy, and a 53-metre classic dhow with a traditional teak-planked hull. A series of fast patrol boats are also being built for the UAE, in a brand new facility dedicated to the latest methods in advanced composite technology.

Beyond in-house development, an even larger story is unfolding: Shipyard owners have been expanding market share globally.

Backed by the strong financing of two local entities, Al Ain International Group and Privinvest, the organisation has spearheaded formation of a powerhouse holding company under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi MAR. Its principals have, for over 20 years, owned the famed French shipyard, CMN, in Cherbourg. In July 2009 they acquired more than 90 percent of the equally adept Nobiskrug shipyard in Rendsburg, Germany. Each of these shipyards has recently launched an award winning yacht: CMN’S’ 60-meter Slipstream, and Nobiskrug’s 74- meter Siren. In aggregate, as of autumn 2009, the three shipyards, which employ more than 2,000 people, have ten yachts on order totaling more than 800 meters length, representing a significant portion of the entire global order book for yachts over 60 metres. The group’s order book also exceeds one billion euros.

And the story continues. In mid-October 2009, Abu Dhabi MAR signed an agreement with Germany’s Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a leading European systems house supplying submarines, naval surface ships, luxury yachts, as well as repairs and component supply. The agreement calls for a close strategic partnership as a further step toward creating a world leader in naval and superyacht building. The partnership involves a 50:50 joint venture, called Blohm+Voss Naval, for the design and manufacturing of naval surface ships (frigates, corvettes and offshore patrol vessels). The agreement also translates into the holding company owning an 80 percent stake in the superyacht business and in each of the existing companies ‘Blohm+Voss Shipyards,’ ‘Blohm+Voss Repair,’ and ‘Blohm+Voss Industries.’

It is fair to say that, in a remarkably short time, Abu Dhabi MAR has placed itself on the local map of the UAE’s capital Emirate, and has grown into a major player on a highly competitive stage. But it has also placed itself at the centre of a much wider map, as one of the global driving forces in naval shipbuilding and luxury yacht building for the future.