UAE: Topaz Wins GAC Marine Contract for Two Crew/Cargo Vessels

Renaissance Services subsidiary Topaz Energy and Marine, a leading provider of offshore support vessels and engineering services, has been awarded a contract from GAC Group to provide completion services for two crew/cargo vessels. Topaz’s NicoCraft shipyard in Abu Dhabi has been awarded the contract based on the shipyard’s capabilities and established track record.

The construction and engineering works that will be undertaken by the Topaz Marine Engineering Division as part of the contract include structural works, outfitting and equipment installation. Upon delivery, the vessels will be approximately 22 metres long, will carry 24 passengers plus 7 crew, as well as up to 15 tonnes of cargo.

Johan Fulke, Managing Director – Marine Services of GAC Marine LLC, said, “NicoCraft has all the specifications we were looking for in a GCC-based company; they are industry professionals who know how to deliver the right end-product on time and within budget. This contract marks the start of an exciting new relationship for both our companies.”

GAC is a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics, marine and related services with operations in over 300 offices worldwide.

Thomas Bower, Managing Director of the Topaz Marine Engineering Division, commented, “Our first contract win with GAC is further recognition that our combined expertise in the construction and repair of aluminium and steel vessels are truly world class. The shipyard has successfully delivered over 20 vessels in the last 3 years, and has gained international recognition as an efficient and safety conscious operation. This contract also reaffirms NicoCraft’s ability to grow and leverage its credentials beyond regional players, attracting global companies such as GAC to come and build at its shipyard. We look forward to a long-term, collaborative partnership between the two companies.”

Topaz Marine Engineering has a strong history of orders from reputable worldwide firms. With more than 200 vessels repaired in 2011 and 10 new vessels under construction or delivered, the company continues to be a leader in the GCC marine sector.

Topaz is a provider of offshore support vessel and engineering services. It is a regional leader in undertaking turnkey engineering, procurement and construction projects with over 35 years of experience operating in MENA and more recently in the Caspian. Topaz Engineering operates under four units: Fabrication & Construction; Maintenance Services; Ship Building and Marine Repair.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, February 6, 2012; Image: topazworld