Goltens Dubai and Norway-based Brødrene Aa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the intention of marketing high-speed ferries and special purpose vessels built in carbon-fibre composite in the Middle East.
If all goes to plan during the twelve-month MOU, the companies will set up a joint business venture to promote and market these vessels, commercially produce and/or outfit ferries and vessels in the region.
"One of the largest challenges for shipbuilders is to complete vessels on time," said Goltens United Arab Emirates' Managing Director Juerg Bartlome.
"In particular, the last five percent of each vessel is a great challenge both with regard to time and technicalities. Putting complicated mechanical and machinery systems into place and into operation without problems is our strength."
Goltens Dubai has been interested in adding vessel building to its repair, service and outfitting offerings for some time, but needed to find the right partner and product to go forward with. They feel they've found it in Brødrene Aa.
"We were attracted to the way Brødrene Aa builds vessels. Their carbon-fibre production is not only more environment friendly than aluminium, but also emphasises flexibility, strength, superior fuel savings and lightweight design," Mr Bartlome continued.
According to the conditions of the MOU, Goltens Dubai and Brødrene Aa will use this twelve-month period to engage in discussions with potential customers, define market potential and agree to the roles that each party will play in the proposed business venture, along with putting together a marketing concept going forward.
"If everything goes as expected, in a year's time we could be on our way to offering the complete vessel value chain – from construction and outfitting to after-sales and services for the remainder of the ship's life," Mr Bartlome concluded.
