Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the Arabian Gulf’s only specialized naval warship builder announced the Kuwait Navy has selected the company for their future Landing Craft programs.

The announcement by ADSB, one of Mubadala’s defense-related companies, took place during the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX; 17-21 February 2013).

Ian Pike, Chief Executive Officer of ADSB, said: “Abu Dhabi Ship Building has been working hard on this program requirement for some time. We also thank the Kuwait Ministry of Defense and the Kuwait Naval Force for their kind cooperation and confidence in our work.”

The program involves the supply of two 64m Landing Craft, one 42m Landing Craft and five 16m Composite Fast Landing Craft. All vessels will be constructed at ADSB’s world class facility in Abu Dhabi.

After several delegation visits to ADSB, the Kuwait Naval Commander Brigadier General Jassim Al Ansari said: “We are extremely pleased to advice of our co-operative discussions with ADSB for our new program requirement.  We recognize ADSB as a highly professional company and will look forward to concluding our discussions positively in the very near future.”

The total contract program is approximately 24 months, and construction is anticipated to start in mid-2013.

Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company (ADSB) is a leading provider of construction, repair and refit services for naval, military and commercial vessels. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE and established in 1996, ADSB was originally formed to support the repairs and refits of UAE Navy vessels and now has a portfolio of construction and refit projects worth over AED 3 billion.

ADSB is 40% owned by Mubadala, 10% by Abu Dhabi’s government and 50% publicly traded on the UAE’s stock exchange.