GNH to Expand Oerations in Northern UAE
Gulf Navigation Holding (GNH) announces the initiation of studies for large expansion of its operations in the northern region of the United Arab Emirates consisting of a set of comprehensive maritime activities, (the GNH Northern Project), including ship building, ship repair and offshore platforms, equipment and services, logistics, marine specialized operations and global mobile ship repair and services including a float and during voyage.
The eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates is considered one of the most important trade route in the world and berthing areas and it is the world’s second leader in the supply and ship refueling/ bunkering, per studies at least over 200 work boats are employed for offshore support and supply in the eastern coast.
The number of monthly vessels calls for repair at Fujairah anchorage and Khorfakkan comes to about 550 ships of multi-sizes and hence the potential scope for business at the berthing areas or deep water areas is immense.
Gulf Navigation intends to tap this potential and has determined to team with two other major players in the market.
Gulf Navigation Group shall be cooperating with Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co. Ltd and Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co. Ltd, both of which are members of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation ( CSIC ) group, in the GNH Northern Project. The consortium has started to review and finalize the plans for the start of the Project.
The joint team have reviewed the requirements of basic situation of the existing shipyard’s workshop, facilities, equipment, quay, and final analysis of type and content of the ship repair and work; as well as operations support of the infrastructure and processing operations vis a vis the applicable laws and regulations relating to the business, security and safety, environmental protection, employment, and other logistics and resources.
The "GNH Northern project” will be developed in three phases and as part of future business expansion and growth conceived and approved by the board of Directors of GNH under its "change and transformation" plans, which intends development and expansion of GNH’s infrastructure in the northern coast and deep waters areas including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Indian subcontinent, Eastern Africa and the Red Sea.
The first phase of the project will include development and upgrade of capacity of existing facilities and a Floating Dock and shall also include the development of specialized mobile cranes working remotely for all types of ships and offshore platforms.
The consortium has held joint workshop and field visits to GNH facilities in northern emirates. Khamis Juma Buamim, GNH Board Member, MD & GROUP CEOcommented "We are working on creating partnerships as part of GNH’s global expansion and development strategy and to establish ourselves are market leaders in all areas of the maritime sector and to diversify sources of our income and create value for our shareholders. We have ambitious and approved plans under this concept and strategy of expansion termed "broad vision for new horizons".
They rely on innovation, change and transformation of the group into multi-national and multi-business, which consequently will create job opportunities and strengthen the economy of the region and UAE which is in the best interests of our country.
Our business partnerships have clearly defined economic and commercial scope which contributes to the growth of all investee companies through joint investments and cooperation and activating of mechanisms for research and development to strengthen the future of the marine industry in the UAE and the region.
The joint consortium for the Project will be headed by Engr. Omar Abu Omar, President - Marine and operations from Gulf Navigation group, and Yan Jingliang, Vice President, Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co. Ltd, from CSIC side.
Without doubt, GNH Northern project will contribute to the development of naval capabilities of UAE and will enhance the quality of vessels operating and trans supports supply chain and supply management.
