Abu Dhabi jack-up owner wins first offshore wind contract in China

The UAE-based Zakher Marine International (ZMI) has secured its first contract to provide a jack-up vessel for an offshore wind project in South China.

Mobilized from the shallow waters of Abu Dhabi, ZMI’s jack-up QMS Gladiator arrived at the deeper South China Sea loaded on a heavy lift on 10 March.

With the USD 100 million contract, the company said it is the first UAE and GCC offshore contractor to be awarded a contract with the Chinese government to support the development of an offshore wind farm.

The award is said to represent a fundamental part of ZMI’s strategic plan to expand into markets beyond the GCC region.

“We are very proud to be the first company from the GCC to work closely with the Chinese government to provide jack-ups and a testament that we are on track to deliver our growth plans, expanding into new geographies and renewables business. This is going to be the first of many, but it serves as a foothold for the Group in this growing market,” said Ali El Ali, Managing Director of ZMI.