SAUDI ARABIA’S Bin Nowiran for Trading & Contacting Co (Binco) has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards Group of the Netherlands for the supply of seven workboats of five different ship types.

The deal was signed during the Seatrade Middle Est Workboat and Offshore Marine exhibition in Abu Dhabi in the beginning of October.

“This unique contract is another milestone in the longstanding relationship between Binco and Damen. The vessels will be operated by Binco in Kuwait to serve SPM operations of Saudi Arabian Chevron’s marine export facility at Mina Saud in the PNZ (Partitioned Neutral Zone),” said a Damen statement. PNZ lies between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

“Binco has already been operating successfully in this field for 30 years and with these new vessels, which combine state-of-the-art technology, design and dedicated features, it aims to strengthen its fleet and services towards Saudi Arabian Chevron, Khafji Joint Operations and other business partners,” said the statement.

“It’s great that Damen can provide a wide range of quality products as a package of their proven designs operating all over the world. Their trusted capability as to shipbuilding equals their after sales services and life-time support, which makes them a valued partner for us and in the Middle East,” commented Binco managing director Khaled A Bin Nowiran.

Damen, which operates more than 55 shipyards, repair yards and related companies worldwide, said it is proud of being awarded the contract and looks forward to delivering a successful project to Binco.