Hot off the press – UAE boat builder Al Marakeb has entered new waters with the securing of a defence contract to supply Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) to military and commercial organisations across the globe.

The agreement, which sees Theyab International Group (“TIG”) becoming the company’s exclusive sales and marketing agency, marks the start of a new era for the region, with Al Marakeb as the first local boatyard to set up a production line for USVs.

Under the terms of the contract, Al Marakeb will supply vessels to be used in a number of maritime roles, with industry sectors including Oil & Gas, Ports & Customs, Critical National Infrastructure, Environmental, Marine Biology & Research, Hospitality & Leisure, Waterfront Development and Defence & Security.

The company is using its expertise in unmanned craft to provide autonomous technology solutions in a growing sector that is estimated to be worth over USD$ 4 billion over the next five years in this region alone.