AD Ports Group has expanded its operations in Spain. Its subsidiary SAFEEN Drydocks has acquired 100% of Balenciaga Astilleros Shipyard for EUR 11.2 million. SAFEEN Drydocks operates under Noatum Maritime.
The deal strengthens AD Ports Group’s presence in Spain and the Mediterranean. It also supports the Group’s growing offshore wind ambitions.
The shipyard is located in Spain’s Basque region. It will now operate as Balenciaga Shipyard. The facility brings nearly 100 years of shipbuilding experience. It includes two drydocks, a 105-metre slipway, and advanced production facilities. These cover more than 22,000 square metres, plus a dedicated cutting and manufacturing area.
Balenciaga Shipyard specialises in complex vessel construction. It leads in the prefabrication of large offshore modules. It is also one of the few Spanish yards that builds advanced Service Operation Vessels. These vessels support offshore wind farms as floating bases. The yard also builds research vessels, offshore support vessels, and specialised tugs.
Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, said the acquisition supports targeted international growth. He highlighted the shipyard’s expertise in offshore wind vessels. He added that the deal will enable knowledge transfer across SAFEEN Drydocks. It will also strengthen the Group’s role in the global clean energy transition.
The acquisition supports AD Ports Group’s offshore wind strategy. It complements the Group’s recent partnership with Masdar on offshore wind development. Demand for specialised SOVs is expected to rise sharply. Balenciaga Shipyard’s location near the North Sea and European markets positions it well to meet this demand.
The investment will also benefit the local economy. The shipyard expects to create more than 50 skilled jobs. These roles will support an existing pipeline of specialised vessel projects. The yard will also serve SAFEEN Drydocks, AD Ports Group partners, and the Group’s own fleet needs.
