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Altrad Sparrows Inaugurates the Middle East’s First Offshore Pedestal Crane Manufacturing Facility in Abu Dhabi

Altrad Sparrows (Sparrows), the engineering and maintenance specialists for the global energy and industrial sectors, has inaugurated the Middle East’s first offshore pedestal crane manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Established in collaboration with ADOS, a leading regional energy services provider, this facility is set to transform the UAE’s industrial landscape, contributing significantly to the country’s vision for economic diversification and local manufacturing.

This strategic move aligns with the UAE’s In-Country Value (ICV) programme, which promotes local industry development and job creation, and the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative, which aims to position the UAE as a global hub for industrial innovation and high-quality manufacturing. The new facility will cater to growing regional demand and serve global markets, producing cranes for offshore drilling and production, with all units proudly manufactured in the UAE and exported worldwide.

The grand opening was attended by senior officials from the energy industry, including a delegation from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Mr. Ali Ahmed Al Footlathi, Senior Vice President of Group Procurement Excellence and In-Country Value at ADNOC; Mr. Charlie Topp, Global Strategic Director at Altrad Sparrow; and Mr. Zuhair Shehada, Managing Director of ADOS. “This facility is a testament to the UAE’s continued efforts to drive industrial growth, in line with our In-Country Value (ICV) programme. ADNOC is committed to fostering partnerships that not only create local value but also strengthen our position as a global leader in energy production. Altrad Sparrows' investment in Abu Dhabi aligns perfectly with this vision,” said Mr. Al Footlathi. During the opening ceremony, representatives from ADNOC, ADOS, and the industry also had the opportunity to tour the facility and preview advanced technologies, including the crane simulator.

Strategically located in the 64,000-square-meter ADOS ICAD Service Centre within the Abu Dhabi Industrial City (ICAD), the facility was established in response to increasing demand for offshore cranes in the Middle East and beyond. The centre also includes a state-of-the-art training and qualification hub, offering Sparrows’ industry-recognised courses for crane operators and technical personnel, underscoring the company’s commitment to workforce development and Emiratisation.

“This investment marks a new chapter for us in the region, and we are excited to continue expanding our global partnerships while contributing to key initiatives like the Make it in the Emirates,” highlighted Charlie Topp.

It is worth noting that Altrad Sparrows Abu Dhabi is already certified to API Spec Q1 standards and recently achieved the API Spec 2C certification, making it the only facility in the region to hold this prestigious monogram. “This accomplishment further reinforces our commitment to quality, safety, and compliance with global manufacturing standards,” added Charlie.

The UAE has positioned itself as a regional leader in advanced manufacturing, bolstered by initiatives such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution Program (‘UAE Industry 4.0’) and the National Programme to Transform Technology. Altrad Sparrows is fully aligned with these national goals, leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation to produce cranes that meet the highest international standards.

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