Designed and built in Saudi Arabia, a new modular floating barrier can be fully customised for the needs of any marine installation

NPC Marine is a subsidiary of the Saudi-based National Polythene Company (NPC), and on display at Metstrade were models of their extensive range of products. What caught our eye was a modular floating barrier, ideal for situations where part of a harbour or marina needs to be segregated. Talking to Faris Al-Hubayyeb, we learned that the barrier was just one of a host of other marine products the company manufactures, including ‘smart’ buoys and various types of boat tank.

CEO of NPC Marine Faris Al-Hubayyeb with a model of the floating barrier. The structure’s colours, length and range of attachments are all fully customisable depending on the application. Models of other products can also be seen.

Chairman of NPC Marine Faris Al-Hubayyeb with a model of the floating barrier. The structure’s colours, length and range of attachments are all fully customisable depending on the application. Models of other products can also be seen

“In Saudi Arabia, we not only have the highest standard of oil quality with a very competitive prices,” Al-Hubayyeb explained. “This provides the sweet spot for manufacturing, a premium grade product at the best competitive price. At National Polythene Company, we design and manufacture everything from road barriers and camping water tanks, and when we launched NPC Marine, we began developing high-quality floating marine products. Our navigation buoys, for example, range from a diameter of 0.5m to 6m, and can be equipped with smart technology. They can carry AIS equipment, and water sampling and weather monitoring sensors for remote interrogation.”

The barrier in place. Note the tough stainless-steel wires that lock the individual modules together. These help the barrier can withstand a high force of impact.

The barrier in place. Note the tough stainless-steel wires that lock the individual modules together. These help the barrier can withstand a high force of impact

With three facilities in Saudi Arabia, NPC Marine manufactures a range of mooring and navigation buoys, which can be equipped with smart technology for remote monitoring. The company can also assist with installation.

With three facilities in Saudi Arabia, NPC Marine manufactures a range of mooring and navigation buoys, which can be equipped with smart technology for remote monitoring. The company can also assist with installation

The floating barrier, however, was a modular design which could be extended and customised but was also lightweight. This makes it easy to transport and assemble. 

“All our floating products have been fully tested,” Al-Hubayyeb said. “We work closely with each client to design a customized solution, then handle the entire process—from manufacturing and shipping to installation—using our own contracted dive team. We have the full range of equipment, including CNC machines, injection moulding machines and rotormoulders, so can provide a complete solution.”

The floating barrier sections are linked together with marine grade stainless steel wire, and modules can be added or removed according to the length required. Appendages such as an anti-shark nets can also be attached. The barriers, being afloat, can absorb a great deal of impact damage. A video showed an unmanned motorboat crashing into one at speed, the barrier remaining intact and the boat being slowed to a stop as the barrier recoiled. This type of floating wall could be used to protect beaches, or section off a waterfront area under construction. We were told they are also in demand in the Red Sea to protect important oil installations.

NPC Marine also produce water, diesel, and gasoline tanks, and have recently received an order from a leading Italian shipyard. Orders for floating marina solutions have also been placed by a UK company, with another order from China.

https://npcm.com.sa/

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