Gulf Navigation eyes expansion in Northern Emirates with Chinese partners

The Dubai-based shipping firm had initiated feasibility studies to expand its operations in Khorfakkan and Fujairah.

Gulf Navigation is considering a significant overhaul in conjunction with two major Chinese shipping firms that will involve expansion into new operating lines, including shipbuilding, and ship repair through new facilities in the Northern Emirates.

The Dubai-based shipping firm said yesterday that it had initiated feasibility studies to expand its operations in Khorfakkan and Fujairah, in conjunction with China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group and Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry.

The new facilities will offer services such as shipbuilding, ship repair and offshore platforms, marine specialised operations and global mobile ship repair.

“The eastern coast of the UAE is considered one of the most important trade routes in the world and berthing areas, and it is the world’s second leader in the supply and ship refuelling and bunkering,” the company said yesterday.

“Gulf Navigation intends to tap this potential.”

The first phase of the new project, the timing of which is unclear, will include a new floating dock facility, as well as the development of specialised mobile cranes working remotely for all types of ships and offshore platforms, the company said.

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