Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a strategic component of the EDGE Group defense conglomerate, is firmly asserting its position on the global shipbuilding map. CEO David Massey has unveiled ambitious plans to accelerate deliveries and expand its international footprint, aiming for exponential growth in exports, particularly for the Falaj-3 offshore vessels destined for Kuwait and the BR71 MKII corvettes for Angola. Present at the DIMDEX naval exhibition in Qatar, ADSB showcased its impressive portfolio, ranging from FA-400 offshore patrol vessels to 17-meter unmanned surface vessels, highlighting a remarkable transformation from a predominantly local supplier to a global player of significant stature.
Explosive Growth: From Local Niche to Global Force
Just six years ago, ADSB primarily served the UAE Navy, with occasional contracts for clients such as Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Today, the scenario is entirely different. „We have generated over $4 billion of business in the last six years,” Massey stated. The company’s order book now includes the construction of 16 large vessels, alongside sophisticated offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and corvettes. Furthermore, a portfolio of over 100 small composite boats positions it as a major player in the region and globally. ADSB’s deliveries now geographically span from Angola, 6,000 kilometers to the west, to Indonesia, 6,000 kilometers to the east, demonstrating a significant expansion of its influence.
Strategic Priority: Fleets for Kuwait and Angola
A key pillar of ADSB’s strategy is the acceleration of deliveries for crucial projects. The UAE leadership is making considerable efforts to expedite the completion of Falaj-3 vessels destined for Kuwait, going as far as the head of the UAE Navy being prepared to accept later delivery of their own vessels to prioritize Kuwait’s needs. This decision is facilitated by the nearly identical specifications of the vessels for both countries, which simplifies maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) support, as well as operational cooperation. The first vessel for Kuwait is scheduled for delivery in mid-2027, and ADSB aims for a production rate of one vessel every six months, delivered alternately to the UAE and Kuwait.
Regarding the BR71 MKII corvettes for Angola, progress is also remarkable. The first vessel is set to be launched on March 4th in Cherbourg, France, and the other two vessels are already ahead of schedule. ADSB has already delivered the first seven composite patrol boats to the Angolan Navy, with additional deliveries expected in the coming weeks. ADSB is the prime contractor, with the CMN shipyard in France acting as a subcontractor.
Expanding Production Capacity
ADSB’s shipyard, an extensive 330,000-square-meter facility, is designed for efficiency. It can simultaneously construct three vessels in its covered assembly halls and features 10 dry berths, with space also allocated for Navy MRO work. With a current workforce of 1,500 employees, set to increase by 500 this year, ADSB can comfortably manage the delivery of one vessel over 60 meters every six months. For smaller vessels, under 50 meters and weighing up to 400 tons, the capacity is even greater, with Massey noting that the main limitation is manpower, not physical space.
The Future is Unmanned: Betting on USV Technology
ADSB is also heavily focused on integrating advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and the development of unmanned surface vessels (USVs). While 20-meter USVs, with their control systems, collision avoidance, and return-to-base capabilities, are now considered „off-the-shelf” technology, ADSB is targeting the next generation. „The next development, an order of magnitude more sophisticated, is building a larger vessel that can stay at sea not just for a few hours or a day, but for a whole month,” Massey explained.
The company’s vision includes single-manned ships accompanied by „buddy vessels” that can extend magazine capacity or distribute force over a larger area, minimizing risks. The challenge lies in maintaining a 30-60 meter vessel at sea for an extended period, requiring all sensors and monitoring to be managed remotely. ADSB is actively collaborating with TII (an EDGE sister company), other EDGE entities, and other suppliers in this field, anticipating a „significant ramp-up” in the development of larger USVs within the next year or two.
Export Ambitions: A Global Presence and a Record Order Book
ADSB’s export ambitions are already a tangible reality. Currently, 70% of its order book stems from exports to Angola, Kuwait, and Indonesia. The company anticipates another major contract in Africa for patrol boats and landing craft. ADSB aims to expand its presence in Asia, West and East Africa, and Brazil. For the foreseeable future, it is estimated that over 50% of ADSB’s orders will be designated for export. The company’s current order book stands at approximately 14 billion dirhams, equivalent to $3.8 billion.
