Alewijnse Enters Middle East Market

Alewijnse Marine Systems, the leading systems integrator in the commercial, naval and superyacht sectors, has announced the formation of Alewijnse Middle East LLC, the latest stage in its strategy to establish operations in high growth developing markets. Based in Qatar, Alewijnse Middle East (AME) is a partnership between Alewijnse Marine Galati, headquartered in Galati, Romania, and Sora Marine Services, a highly regarded Qatari company with extensive experience in providing maritime services.

Alewijnse had already been active in Qatar since 2011, and in that time developed a strong relationship with leading yard in new build vessels, Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ), a joint venture between the Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd (Nakilat) and Damen Shipyards Qatar Holding BV. A project to provide the complete electrical package for a new build 6,500 tonne LOR (load out/recovery) barge was recently completed. Other contracts undertaken by Alewijnse in Qatar include work carried out on 19 vessels (ASD 2810, 3212, Stan Tug 1806, Stan Tender 2606 and Stan Pilot 2205) and a 47m wooden vessel.

Prior to the launch of AME, the company had five engineers permanently on-site in the Gulf state. However, the new entity is adding 25 electricians and steelworkers to its workforce as it prepares to play a significant role in the Qatari maritime sector.

“Qatar is rapidly emerging as an important regional hub for the maritime sector,” said Pieter Smit, General Manager Alewijnse Marine Galati. “The government is committed to spending $100 billion on infrastructure over the current decade, and marine transport is an important part of that.”

“Qatar is rapidly developing facilities capable of building all types of vessel,” continues Smit, “and we are confident that Alewijnse can make a valuable contribution towards making it a top destination for ship owners and operators. We are delighted to have made a firm commitment to Qatar and its marine sector.”

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Alewijnse, May 29, 2013