Topaz takes a double at Seatrade Awards

11 October 2009

During Seatrade’s grand award ceremony in Dubai on Thursday night, Topaz Energy and Marine was awarded two prestigious accolades. Fazel A. Fazelbhoy, CEO of Topaz Energy and Marine received the award for the ‘Personality of the Year’ and Topaz Marine MENA won the ‘Workboats’ award.

The ‘Personality of the Year’ award presented to Fazelbhoy was one of three special honours on the night, bestowed upon individuals for their significant and lasting contribution to the shipping and maritime industry throughout the region.

In his acceptance speech, Fazelbhoy expressed his gratitude towards his colleagues in Topaz and the Board of Directors for their continued trust and investment in Topaz’s success. Samir J. Fancy, Chairman of the Board of Topaz’s parent company, Omani-based Renaissance Services, attended the event and was delighted with the industry recognition.

Topaz Marine MENA earned Topaz’s second award of the night. The ‘Workboats’ award was secured thanks to Topaz’s fleet size and the great diversity of the fleet that includes Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels, Platform Supply Vessels, Multi Purpose Supply Vessels, Workboats, Crew Boats and specialized vessels such as a Cable Lay Vessel, a DP-II Subsea Construction Barge, a DP II Maintenance Support Vessel and a DP I Support Vessel.

Topaz’s low average fleet age, blue-chip client base and laudable safety track record also helped tip the scales in its favour.

GM of Topaz Marine MENA, Ron Clark commented on the award, “It’s a great honor to have won at Seatrade for the third year running, that’s something I’m very proud of. This win would of course not have been possible without the commitment of our excellent staff and management of whom I’m truly grateful”. Topaz Marine MENA was also a finalist in the ‘Marine and Offshore Services’ award.

Topaz was also represented as a finalist through Topaz Marine Repair in the ‘Ship Repair/ Shipyard’ category.

Topaz’s awards were won in competition with prominent companies and individuals of the maritime community in the Middle East and India. The ceremony and gala dinner took place at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai and was attended by 600 maritime executives.

Earlier this week, Topaz announced its USD 400,000 CSR-sponsorship of the Flying Angel at the Middle East Workboats Exhibition (MEWB), organized by Seatrade. The Flying Angel is a seafarer’s support boat operating in the offshore anchorage of Fujairah. The vessel is a floating communications platform allowing thousands of mariners each year to step off their vessels for a few hours and contact their loved ones at home. Through the Mission to Seafarers and the Flying Angel, Topaz will be able to help these seafarers maintain relationships with their families and allow them a much needed break from their daily routines.

Topaz both exhibited and was a sponsor of the MEWB exhibition and had a very successful show. Topaz’s newest fleet addition, the light crew boat Topaz Fujairah, was on display at the ADNEC Marina. Many prospective clients visited the 30 meter catamaran and were impressed by the vessel’s safety features and high specifications.

About Topaz Energy and Marine

Topaz Energy and Marine Ltd. is today one of the world’s leading marine services and oil & gas fabrication companies, with over 35 years of experience in the Middle East. Topaz is a wholly owned subsidiary of Renaissance Services SAOG, a publicly traded company on the Muscat Securities Market. Operating throughout the Middle East and the Caspian, with vessel operations in North Africa and S.E. Asia, Topaz employs over 6,000 people. With its operational headquarters in Dubai, UAE, Topaz will in 2009 operate under two primary business divisions – Topaz Marine and Topaz Engineering. Topaz Marine; the offshore support vessels division comprises Nico Middle East, Doha Marine Services, Topaz Saudi Arabia, BUE Caspian, BUE Kazakhstan & BUE Turkmenistan. Topaz Engineering comprises Adyard (Abu Dhabi) and Nico International.

For further information on Topaz Energy and Marine:
Monika Baranwal
Corporate Communications Officer
Tel: +971 4 338 21 35
[email protected]