AD Ports Group forms UAE Shipbuilders Consortium, unites local maritime entities for industrial growth
The consortium is also expected to create greater opportunities for participation by locally based small and medium-sized shipyards.
UAE – AD Ports Group has announced the formation of the UAE’s first national shipbuilding consortium, bringing together companies across shipbuilding, vessel repair, fabrication, and marine engineering to strengthen the country’s maritime industrial ecosystem.
The Consortium of UAE Shipbuilders was announced on 15 May 2026 as part of broader efforts to enhance coordination across the domestic maritime sector and support the UAE’s industrial diversification ambitions.
Consortium Members and Scope
The consortium includes an initial group of national industry players spanning shipbuilding, steel production, and marine engineering, comprising SAFEEN Drydocks, Premier Marine Engineering Services, Dubai Shipbuilding & Engineering, Al Seer Marine, Dutch Oriental, JOME Engineering, Blue Gulf Ship Builders, and MBK Marine Industries, among others.
According to AD Ports Group, the initiative aims to improve visibility across project pipelines, enhance procurement efficiency, and support coordinated project execution across the maritime value chain. The consortium is also expected to create greater opportunities for participation by locally based small and medium-sized shipyards.
Statement from Leadership
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said the consortium’s formation reflects the group’s commitment to advancing the UAE’s industrial and maritime capabilities in line with national economic diversification objectives.
Led by Noatum Maritime
The initiative will be led by Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster.
The company said the platform is intended to strengthen cooperation across the domestic maritime industry while enabling smaller companies to participate in larger and more complex local and international projects.
Industry Perspective
For fresh produce exporters and logistics investors, a stronger domestic shipbuilding and repair industry improves vessel availability and reduces maintenance downtime for reefer carriers operating in the Gulf region.
Therefore, by integrating small and medium-sized shipyards into larger project pipelines, the consortium builds a more resilient local supply chain for vessel construction and repair.
For food supply chains, this reduces reliance on foreign shipyards for the maintenance of refrigerated cargo vessels, minimizing scheduling conflicts and ensuring that cold chain capacity remains available during peak shipping seasons.
AD Ports Group said the consortium will help position the UAE as a more competitive player in global maritime trade, shipbuilding, and marine manufacturing.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
