Abu Dhabi Ports’ maritime arm, SAFEEN, has signed an agreement with Allianz Marine & Logistics Services (AMLS) to launch a new integrated maritime logistics services firm.

To be headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the joint venture firm will operate under Offshore Support and Logistics Services Company (OFCO – Offshore International) and will provide onshore and offshore integrated logistics solutions and subsea services in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region and beyond.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said “the launch of OFCO represents a significant leap forward for SAFEEN, which is one of the main pillars of our maritime business.”

“By adding OFCO to our extensive portfolio of trade, logistics, and port services, we are in a position to offer our regional and global customers a very comprehensive and compelling end-to-end value offer, in one place and at the same time. Working closely with trusted partners, we are responding to market needs and expanding Abu Dhabi’s role as the regional and global hub for offshore services,” he said.

Setting itself apart from the competition, Abu Dhabi Ports noted that OFCO combines SAFEEN’s strategic position and experience as a port marine operator, with AMLS’ diversified fleet and expertise in offshore logistics and supply chain management, making it a fully-integrated supplier of marine logistics solutions and services in the GCC.

“OFCO is uniquely-positioned as a ‘one-stop-shop,’ offering clients a spectrum of service solutions including integrated logistics for oil and gas/engineering procurement and construction (O&G/ EPC) companies, inspection repair and maintenance (IRM), and subsea services, supported by Abu Dhabi Ports’ land-based operations," it said.

Additionally, the Port said OFCO’s broad range of services will be aimed towards large offshore infrastructure projects, which include ongoing operations within the regional oil and gas sector, as well as future projects set to be launched in the coming years.

As part of a wider value offering, OFCO’s customers will also have access to a broad spectrum of trade logistics and services offered by Abu Dhabi Ports, which include offshore, onshore, base operations, logistics, industrial zone, and maritime services.

Tremendous opportunity for integrated marine logistics

Ahmed Khalil, general manager of AMLS, said: “With access to one of the largest service fleets marine services provider in the Arabian Gulf, we believe that OFCO will be a game changer for the oil and gas market, providing integrated offshore logistics solutions and operational excellence to our clients.”

Meanwhile, Captain Maktoum Al Houqani, head of Maritime Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports, said when they considered the growth of the global offshore support vessel market, as well as the offshore projects market, they "saw a tremendous opportunity and potential for a new integrated marine logistics provider."

"With access to a growing diversified fleet of modern vessels, our partnership with AMLS will allow us to take our expertise and capabilities to new horizons, and unleash our full potential as a preferred global maritime services provider," he added.