Topaz Marine Engineering, the UAE based full service, ship building, ship repair and engineering services company, confirmed on Sunday that it had been commissioned by the Government of Sharjah’s Royal Court to build and deliver a catamaran passenger ferry boat.
The subsidiary of Oman’s Renaissance Services has been told to focus on passenger luxury and efficiency, a report in the Oman Daily Observer said. It added that up to 40 people will be transported between mainland Sharjah and Abu Musa Island, which is situated 70km offshore of the emirate.
“Ferry boats are becoming increasingly common across the Gulf countries, and Topaz is responding to this demand by working to worldwide standards and developing new designs which will offer the very best in luxury, high speed, manoeuvrability and excellent sea keeping characteristics to make this kind of transportation more safe and comfortable,” said Thomas Bower, managing director of Topaz Marine Engineering.
“Securing this contract comes as testament to our competitive advantage and we look forward to winning more as we continue to expand our services in this growing niche market,” he added.
Topaz recently delivered two 18metre catamaran ferry boats to a client in the UK. In addition, it completed the delivery of two wind farm support vessels to ASPW Work Boats Ltd.
It is also completing the delivery of two Anchor Handling Supply vessels on behalf of BP. The two vessels are set to be deployed in the Caspian Sea on long term contracts. Furthermore, the GAC Group also signed a deal that allowed Topaz to provide completion services for two crew and cargo vessels.
Topaz Marine Engineering and its sister company, Topaz Oil and Gas Engineering, covers fabrication and construction; maintenance services; ship building and marine repair for the offshore support vessel and engineering services.