Hijacked by Somalian pirates in 2009, the Maersk Alabama became a familiar sight at box offices around the world last year when the movie Captain Phillips, inspired by the event, was released.
And the ship, minus lead star Tom Hanks, recently made its way to the calmer waters of Abu Dhabi.
The cargo vessel was first to benefit from the opening of a new ship repair facility at Abu Dhabi Ports Company’s (ADPC) Free Port next to Zayed Port.
ADPC has signed a one-year land lease deal with Topaz Marine Engineering Division, with the option to extend for up to three years.
“We are very pleased about the establishment of this new ship repair facility and very proud to have welcomed the famous Maersk Alabama as our first customer,” said Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, ADPC chief executive.
“The new facility completes our offerings in the Free Port and will significantly facilitate trade.”
The terms of the deal sees ADPC lease the berth and an adjacent area of land to Topaz, which is providing the floating dock, staff and repair expertise, ADPC said in a statement.
Maersk Alabama facts:
Gross Tonnage: 14120
Deadweight: 17375 t
Length × Breadth: 155m × 25.3m
Year Built: 1998
Flag: US
Captain Phillips facts:
Budget: US$55m
Box office takings: $218,791,811
Nominations: Four Golden Globes, nine Bafta Awards
ioxborrow@thenational.ae
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