Abu Dhabi Ports said its marine services subsidiary Safeen has strengthened its reputation as one of the safest and most environmentally responsible global service operators across its range of services including vessel assistance, navigational support, inspections and shipping maintenance at Abu Dhabi’s ports and harbours.

Launched in 2013, Safeen has made strong progress in its three years of operations and currently boasts nine tugs, five pilot boats, six speed boats, one buoy maintenance boat and two oil-spill response boats.

Safeen, which supports the operations of the network of ports and harbours across Abu Dhabi with a range of maritime and quayside-support services, has achieved significant milestones reinforcing Abu Dhabi Ports’ continued expansion and latest remarkable results, said a statement from the company.

Three new state-of-the-art tugs, specialising in towing and escorting the world’s largest ships that now regularly call at locations in Abu Dhabi, have been integrated into Safeen’s existing fleet.

The 75 BP ASD Azimuth Stern Drive tugs based at Khalifa Port can support the latest generation post-panamax container vessels capable of handling some 18,000 TEUs (standard 20-foot containers), it said.

The acquisition of the tugs reflects the increasing demand in the first half of 2016, reiterating the status of Abu Dhabi’s ports as among the fastest growing in the world.

With their strategic location, the ports serve as gateways to the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region that is estimated to be worth $10 trillion by 2020, it added.

Safeen has received the internationally prestigious ISO 14001: 2004 recognising best practices in environmental management systems, and the OHSAS 18001: 2007 issued by Lloyd’s of London certifying best-in-class occupational health and safety in the maritime, shipping and logistics sectors, it stated.

Safeen recently passed an important work safety milestone clocking up some one million working hours without Lost Injury Time - an important industry standard in demonstrating safe working practices, it said.

Speaking on the achievements, Captain Maktoum Al Houqani, chief marine services officer, Safeen, said: “Upgrading our services will help us contribute effectively to the wider growth of Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector and consolidate our reputation as the destination of choice for maintenance and marine support services.”

“In line with Abu Dhabi Ports’ remarkable expansion, we aim to sustain the growth momentum and more importantly, do so in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Safeen follows a community-orientated approach that is complemented by the professionalism of all our staff and partners,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service