NMDC Group Inaugurates Abu Al Bakhoush, a Sophisticated Dredging Vessel
The UAE national champion marks a significant milestone in its fleet expansion with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art cutter suction dredger, reinforcing its capacity to undertake complex infrastructure projects across international markets.
NMDC Group, the globally distinguished leader in integrated marine, energy, construction, logistics and engineering solutions, has inaugurated the Abu Al Bakhoush, a remarkable example of contemporary maritime engineering and a testament to the evolving capabilities of the organisation’s extensive fleet operations.
The inauguration ceremony, conducted in Nantong, China, represents a pivotal moment in the Group’s carefully articulated international expansion strategy. The Abu Al Bakhoush joins NMDC Group’s impressive fleet of more than 170 vessels, enhancing the organisation’s readiness to undertake the most demanding, large-scale infrastructure projects across diverse international markets.
The distinguished gathering, which included Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, and Dr. Yasser Zaghloul, NMDC Group Chief Executive Officer, reflected the significance of this achievement. The ceremony welcomed an esteemed delegation comprising regional and international clients, strategic business partners, maritime industry specialists, and senior representatives from the host shipyard.
Engineered and constructed by Jiangsu Haixin Shipping Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., the Abu Al Bakhoush emerges as a formidable heavy-duty, rock-cutting dredger. Measuring 148 metres in overall length with a maximum dredging depth of 38 metres, the vessel demonstrates exceptional capability for the precision dredging of trenches, navigation channels and harbours. The self-propelled cutter suction dredger operates with a 7.8 megawatt cutter and 30,040 kilowatts of total installed power, substantially augmenting NMDC Group’s dredging capacity.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi observed that the Abu Al Bakhoush exemplifies a harmonious collaboration between Chinese shipbuilding excellence and the marine expertise cultivated by a UAE national champion. He noted that this strategic partnership demonstrates how Emirati enterprises are translating robust economic relationships into tangible outcomes, further consolidating the UAE’s prominence as a global economic centre.
Dr. Zaghloul emphasised that the vessel reflects the Group’s guiding philosophy of responsible expansion and market penetration. The Abu Al Bakhoush, constructed to advanced technological and environmental standards with GREEN PASSPORT certification, exemplifies NMDC Group’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations. He underscored that the true catalyst for growth resides not merely in maritime assets, but in the development and cultivation of exceptional personnel capable of maximising such investments.
Eng. Niels de Bruijn, Chief Executive Officer of NMDC Dredging and Marine, highlighted that the Abu Al Bakhoush substantially enhances the Group’s dredging capabilities, particularly through its combination of considerable installed power and heavy-duty rock-cutting proficiency. This addition enables NMDC Group to execute complex coastal, port and offshore infrastructure undertakings with enhanced efficiency, reliability and operational scale across the diverse markets it serves.
Source: WAM