It has four cranes, seven cargo holds and can handle 101,648 tonnes – meet the <em>MV Hafeet</em>. The ship, which has diesel engines capable of generating up to 15,200 horsepower, was recently has just been registered, making it the UAE's largest bulk commercial vessel yet. At 254 metres long and 49 metres wide, the <em>MV Hafeet</em> is the latest addition to the fleet of Safeen, the marine services arm of Abu Dhabi Ports, and it will enter service this month. Abu Dhabi Ports said the <em>MV Hafeet</em> will be based at Mussaffah to support Emirates Steel by transferring bulk iron ore from incoming carriers and improve turnaround times for the oceangoing vessels. Footage of the carrier was posted to Abu Dhabi Ports social media page on Thursday. Built in Romania and in service since 2006, the vessel was bought by Safeen last year. It was originally in use as a post-panamax bulk carrier, meaning it was designed to pass through the new locks of the Panama Canal. The vessel has undergone an extensive conversion in the months since purchase, including the installation of cranes and a conveyor system. "The acquisition and the eventual commissioning of <em>Hafeet </em>marks a significant step for our Safeen team, it greatly enhances our ability to serve our customers," said Capt Adil Banihammad, chief executive at Safeen. "The vessel is part of a larger expansion strategy by Abu Dhabi Ports aimed at broadening our portfolio of services." It bears the name of Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi's only mountain, which overlooks the UAE border with Oman.
