AD Ports Group Expands Into European Shipbuilding to Boost Offshore Wind Capabilities

Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group has moved to expand its European footprint and offshore wind capabilities with the acquisition of one of Spain’s most technologically advanced shipyards.

Through its subsidiary SAFEEN Drydocks, part of Noatum Maritime, the integrated trade and logistics group has acquired 100% ownership of Balenciaga Astilleros for €11.2 million. The transaction, announced January 20, positions AD Ports Group to tap rising demand for specialized vessels serving Europe’s offshore wind sector.

The nearly century-old facility, located in Spain’s Basque region, brings significant industrial capability to the group’s portfolio. The yard includes two drydocks, a 105-meter slipway, and more than 22,000 square meters of factory space equipped with advanced automation and fabrication systems. Now operating as Balenciaga Shipyard, the facility is one of the few Spanish yards capable of building advanced Service Operation Vessels (SOVs)—floating bases that support offshore wind farm construction and maintenance.

“This acquisition is a testament to our strategy of targeted international expansion and portfolio diversification,” said Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster. “Balenciaga Shipyard’s expertise in advanced vessel construction, particularly for the offshore wind sector, will enable us to further our ambitions while facilitating knowledge transfer and best-practice adoption across SAFEEN Drydocks.”

The timing aligns with accelerating global demand for SOVs as offshore wind projects expand across European waters. The shipyard’s location near the North Sea positions it well to serve that market, while supporting AD Ports Group’s broader clean-energy transition strategy.

The deal also builds on AD Ports Group’s recently announced partnership with Masdar focused on offshore wind development and delivery. Beyond SOVs, Balenciaga Shipyard also specializes in research vessels, offshore support vessels, and specialized tugs, and has established expertise in structural prefabrication for large offshore modules.

Al Shaiba said the acquisition will have broader regional impact, strengthening the group’s clean-energy capabilities while supporting high-value job creation in Europe. More than 50 skilled positions are expected to be generated, supported by an existing pipeline of specialized vessel projects and anticipated work from SAFEEN Drydocks and AD Ports Group’s international network.

The facility is also expected to contribute to AD Ports Group’s own fleet requirements as it expands operations across the Mediterranean and beyond.

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