The subsidiary of AD Ports Group has invested in its fleet to cater for increasing demand for harbour and coastal towage and to provide operations in Mauritius and other nations.

It operates more than 65 vessels including harbour tugs, pilot boats, speed boats, landing craft, survey boats, self-propelled barges, diving supply vessels and offshore tugs.

In 2023, Safeen added several harbour and towage vessels including Shoalbuster 3209 vessel Al Mirfa from Damen Shipyards in July, plus harbour tugs Harbour Star 5, 290-gt Kezad and 364-gt Sweihan and a MED A275 series tugboat from Med Marine. In 2022, Danah and Semiah were added to the fleet.

Safeen is an event partner of Riviera Maritime Media for the International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards 2024, held in Dubai, UAE, 21-23 May.

During the 27th ITS Convention, Safeen group director for commercial and business development Ferlin Brown will unlock the Middle East’s harbour tug puzzle with a presentation during a session dedicated to the region’s towage and salvage.

Mr Brown will explain how harbour towage capacity in the Middle East Gulf is under strain as ageing tugs are repurposed for offshore roles, leaving a gap in supply for manoeuvring ships in ports.

This session investigates ongoing efforts to renew fleets and meet regional shipping needs. It considers the demand drivers, such as new terminals, energy exports and mega construction projects, repurposing trends, age profiles of fleets, renewal and operator challenges, and potential remedies.