MUSCAT -- Construction of Sapphire Marine, the Sultanate's only luxury motor yacht manufacturer based at the Salalah Free Zone (SFZ), is due to be completed at the end of this month, the project's promoters announced here yesterday. The 3,000m2 indoor facility at the entrance of the Salalah Free Zone has been designed to manufacture a range of luxury and commercial vessels up to 25m (82ft) in length. The facility will include sunken laminating bays and dedicated carpentry, upholstery, steel work, electrical, machine shop and finishing areas.
Sapphire Marine's current range of products includes: 25ft commercial fishing boats aimed at the local fishing industry; 30 ft tournament catamaran (a specialist fishing & diving boat); 31ft sport cabin (family day cruiser) and 57ft luxury Flybridge motor yacht. Sapphire Marine was founded by Peter Nel (Managing Director) and Jim Dundon (CEO) as a direct response to the high demand and long delivery times for luxury motor yachts in the GCC. This amplified demand is due to the increase in availability of berths at marinas, reclaimed islands and waterside developments.
Peter Nel who has 30 years of boat building experience in South Africa and the Middle East says: "What sets Sapphire Marine apart is the quality of their products and after sales service. Sapphire Marine intends to exceed customer expectations by offering a 20-year hull warranty on leisure boats." Sapphire Marine's General Manager, Barry Du Plessis, adds: "Our goal is to be the regions premier yacht builder. We aim to have a positive impact both by generating employment and producing outstanding products." Sapphire Marine's products are designed to appeal to both families and the tourism sector; ongoing projects include vessels as diverse as coastguard and police patrol vessels.
By Staff Reporter
© Oman Daily Observer 2009
