The new $8.2m facility at ADSB's Mussafah base covers an area of 4,650m 2and is capable of building vessels up to 60m LOA, the size of some of the world's largest composite boats. The boats will be built in environmentally controlled conditions in a workshop pressurised to keep out dust and sand which is also temperature and humidity controlled.

Extraction systems ensure a healthy environment for workers.

ADSB Composites works with the UK's VT Halmatic as a preferred partner and its first project will be a Halmatic designed 16m fast workboat. With a ramped bow for beach landing and an open deck, it will be capable of transporting two Hummer size military vehicles at a speed of over 30 knots. Negotiations are at an advanced stage with the UAE Coast Guard for the dozen 34m GRP fast patrol boats.

Work has already begun at ADSB on the second phase of the new facility, an outfitting shop that will be used to fit interiors and components to client specification.

Information No: 22120