What Nico International does

Nico International is a UAE-based marine and industrial engineering services company founded in 1973 and headquartered in Fujairah (UAE), operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Topaz Energy and Marine. The company delivers a "one-stop shop" portfolio covering dry-docking, mechanical workshop services, electrical systems, automation and instrumentation, hydraulics, turbocharger overhaul, transmission and propulsion, boiler services, underwater diving, industrial plant maintenance, and EPCC solutions for energy infrastructure. Its physical infrastructure includes a Dubai Maritime City dock (vessels up to 130m, 6,000-ton lifting capacity) and a 12,000 sqm Fujairah Port facility with a 200-ton Travelift, seven cranes up to 50 tons, and approximately 200 workers. The company is the only UAE diving firm certified under Shell's Diving Centre of Excellence and holds ADCI certification plus in-water survey approvals from DNV-GL, Lloyds, ABS, NKK, RINA, BV, and RMRS.

The company serves a diversified customer base across maritime/ship repair, oil & gas, power generation, defense, and heavy industrial verticals, including US Navy, UAE Coast Guard, CMA CGM, DUGAS, Abu Dhabi Ship Building, Emirates Industrial Gas, Emirates Steel Industries, and Fujairah Fresh Water Production Co. Nico generates revenue primarily through project-based professional services contracts (dry-docking, shutdowns, afloat repairs, EPCC) and authorized OEM service distribution for principals including Mitsubishi, Niigata, Japan Engine Corporation, Nidec/Leroy Somer, Hyundai Turbo Machinery, Transfluid, and HHI-TMC. Customer engagements are multi-year for recurring shutdown/maintenance work (e.g., DUGAS MTBE plant 2014-2020) and project-based for marine repairs. Sales motion is enterprise field sales combined with event-driven lead generation at major regional and international maritime exhibitions (ADIPEC, Seatrade, SMM, Posidonia, Sea Asia). The company operates across UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and has exhibited into Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Greece, Cyprus, and Singapore; in 2025 it formed a strategic joint venture with UW Group to extend global shipping reach.

Name

Nico International

Legal name

Nico International

Website

https://nicouae.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Nico International is a UAE-based marine and industrial engineering services firm founded in 1973, providing dry-docking, ship repair, underwater diving, EPCC, turbocharger, automation, and OEM-authorized service for maritime, oil & gas, power, and industrial clients across the Middle East.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine and Industrial Engineering Services

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)

akta.pro primary industry

Engine & Mechanical Overhaul (Main/Aux Engines, Pumps, Valves, Compressors) (TLAHAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Underwater Hull Inspection, Cleaning & Propeller Services (TLAKAKAJ), Retrofits, Upgrades & Compliance Conversions (Scrubbers, BWTS, Alternative Fuels, Energy-Saving Devices) (TLAHAMAI), Piping, HVAC & Fluid Systems (Fuel, Ballast, Firemain, Refrigeration) (TLAHAMAF), Marine MRO Parts & Consumables Distribution (TLAKAOAJ)

Keywords

• Marine engineering services
• Ship repair services
• Dry-docking services
• Industrial plant maintenance
• Underwater diving services

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Marine Repair and Maintenance Services: Dry-docking services, afloat repairs, riding squads, engine repairs, component reconditioning, fuel pump/injector/governor services, pump and auxiliary equipment repairs, steel and aluminum fabrication, deck machinery services. Revenue generated through project-based service contracts.
2. Industrial Engineering Services: Shutdown and plant maintenance services, boiler inspection and conditioning assessment, automation and instrumentation services, motor rewinding, vibration analysis, technical resources outsourcing.
3. EPCC Solutions: Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning solutions for critical energy infrastructure including storage tanks, pipelines, pressure vessels, and process equipment.
4. Transmission and Propulsion Systems Distribution: Representing leading manufacturers as distributors (sales/service) for marine and industrial transmissions, torque convertors, power take-offs, gearboxes, and propulsion systems in Middle East.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Nico International delivers marine and industrial engineering services including dry-docking (Dubai Maritime City and Port of Fujairah facilities), workshop overhauls, electrical services, turbocharger servicing, automation and instrumentation, hydraulics and HVAC, transmission and propulsion distribution, boiler services, industrial plant maintenance, EPCC solutions, and ADCI-certified underwater diving. The company serves vessel owners, oil & gas operators, power plants, and heavy industrial customers across the Middle East with 24/7 year-round service capability.

Product overview

Nico International is a marine and industrial engineering services company established in 1973, operating as a comprehensive 'one-stop shop' for maritime and industrial services. The company offers a diverse portfolio of services organized around core capabilities including dry-docking (with facilities in Dubai and Fujairah), workshop services, electrical services, hydraulics and HVAC, turbocharger services, transmission and propulsion systems, automation and instrumentation, industrial engineering, boiler services, technical resources outsourcing, and underwater diving services. The company also provides EPCC solutions for the energy sector. Nico International serves the oil and gas, ship repair, power plants, and marine industries across the Middle East, operating as part of Topaz Engineering with a strategic joint venture with UW Group since 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dry-Docking Services Marine vessel dry-docking services including main and auxiliary engine repair, boiler refurbishments, steel fabrication, and propeller repairs. Facilities available in Dubai Maritime City (vessels up to 130m, 6,000 tons lifting capacity) and Port of Fujairah (vessels up to 34m, 200 tons). For commercial shipping operators, naval/defense fleets, and offshore vessels.
• Workshop Services Comprehensive workshop capabilities for overhaul, repair, and refurbishment of rotating and reciprocating equipment, including dynamic balancing, line boring, heat treatment, cast iron weld repairs, gearbox overhaul, heat exchanger services, and valve refurbishment. For marine and industrial operators.
• Electrical Services Electrical engineering services including rewinding, repair and refurbishment of alternators, motors and transformers, vibration analysis, rotor/fan/armature balancing, and ship electrical retrofit work. For vessel operators and industrial customers.
• Hydraulics and HVAC (DART) Hydraulic systems services covering deck machinery repair and overhaul, hydraulic crane servicing, hose crimping and supply, power pack and steering controls, along with HVAC repair, retrofit, modification, and AC compressor services. For marine and industrial operators.
• Turbocharger Services Turbocharger overhaul and troubleshooting services both on-board and in workshop, including rotor dynamic balancing, re-blading, shaft rebuilding, metal spray, blade repair and refurbishment, with extensive spare parts stock. Authorized service center for Mitsubishi MET turbochargers and Hyundai Turbo Machinery in the Middle East.
• Transmission and Propulsion Systems Distribution and service for marine and industrial transmissions, torque convertors, power take-offs, and propulsion systems including Sumitomo gearboxes, Mekanord, Masson Marine, Kumera, Niigata engines, and Transfluid fluid couplings. For marine and industrial customers across the Middle East.
• Automation and Instrumentation (DART) Automation and instrumentation services for marine and industrial applications including main engine alarm and control systems, generator protection systems, oil water separators, crane and winch controls, switch gear servicing, and draught gauges. Authorized representative for MSR automation and instrumentation products.
• Industrial Engineering Plant shutdown and maintenance services, project management, electrical and instrumentation modifications, heat exchanger cleaning, boiler and furnace maintenance, and comprehensive engineering solutions from studies to final certification. For refineries, power plants, petrochemical facilities, and heavy industrial operators.
• Boiler Services Boiler condition assessment, inspection using endoscope and ultrasonic thickness gauging, combustion control repairs, economizer services, control system maintenance, tube fabrication, life extension studies, chemical cleaning, and efficiency performance studies. For power plants, refineries, and industrial operators.
• Technical Resources Outsourcing Provision of technical personnel including supervisors, safety officers, QC engineers, NDT technicians, certified welders (SMAW/GTAW/GMAW/FCAW), fabricators, mechanics, electricians, painters, riggers, scaffolders, and crane/forklift operators for various industries.
• Underwater Services ADCI-certified diving services including underwater hull cleaning, propeller polishing, wet welding, sea chest cleaning, inspection and NDT, anchor recovery, salvage operations, and side shell repairs. Only UAE company with Shell DCOE accreditation. Class approvals from DNV-GL, Lloyds, ABS, NKK, RINA, BV, and RMRS.
• Riding Squads and Afloat Repairs Mobile repair teams deployed to vessels at sea, alongside, anchorage, or during voyage for mechanical repairs and maintenance. Provides 24/7 emergency response capability for vessel operators.
• EPCC Solutions Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning solutions for energy infrastructure including storage tanks, pipelines, pressure vessels, and process equipment. For oil & gas operators and EPC contractors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30 tons of steel and 250m Copper Nickel pipe work restored for US Navy vessel USS Porter completed 1 week ahead of schedule
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• UW GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Strategic joint venture established in 2025 with UW Group, a global leader in shipping representation founded in 2000 and anchored by UMAR Shipping Services Ltd and WSR Services Ltd. The partnership combines NICO's engineering excellence with UW Group's global shipping expertise to deliver enhanced, end-to-end maritime services worldwide.
• DU Brand Engine (IHI Power Systems)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 September 2020Service agent agreement with DU Brand Engine, part of IHI Power Systems specializing in large-bore low-speed diesel and dual-fuel engines for marine and medium bore medium speed diesel engines for marine and power generation. NICO serves as authorized service representative in UAE.
• Hyundai Heavy Industries Turbomachinery Co., Ltd. (HHI-TMC)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Service agent agreement making NICO the authorized service representative for all turbomachinery products manufactured by HHI-TMC in UAE region. HHI-TMC specializes in pumps for marine, nuclear and industrial fields, gas and air compressors, steam turbine. Partnership aims to strengthen turbomachinery capabilities in marine & industrial pumps and compressors market.
• NIDEC (Moteurs Leroy Somer)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 July 2019Service Centre Agreement with Nidec, a world leader in industrial motors, alternators and electromechanical/electronic drive systems. NICO aims to strengthen electrical motors, alternators & power plant capabilities in marine & industrial applications and electrical power generation market in UAE region. Highly skilled manpower from NICO combined with Nidec's power generating experience provides strong local base in Dubai.
• MitsubishicoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized service center for Mitsubishi MET turbochargers in Middle East. NICO has provided turbocharger overhaul services for major vessels including CMA CGM's MARCO POLO.
• NiigatacoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized service representative for Niigata engines, Z-pellers and turbochargers. Awarded Outstanding Performance Award 2018 by NIIGATA Power Systems Co. Ltd.
• Leroy SomercoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized service center for Leroy Somer motors & alternators through Nidec partnership. Covers industrial motors, alternators and electronic drive systems.
• Hyundai Turbo MachinerycoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized service representative for Hyundai Turbo Machinery turbomachinery, pumps, gas & air compressors products in UAE region.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• McDermott International: Global EPC contractor serving offshore oil & gas, petrochemicals, and energy infrastructure. Broad incumbent comparable in EPCC delivery for storage tanks, pipelines, pressure vessels, and process equipment in the Middle East, though operating at much larger project scale.
• Worley Limited: Global engineering and project delivery firm serving energy, chemicals, and resources sectors. Broad incumbent comparable in plant shutdown/maintenance services and industrial engineering, with similar Middle East footprint but vastly larger scale and broader project portfolio.
• Damen Shipyards Group: Netherlands-based global shipbuilder and ship repair group with yards worldwide. Broad incumbent providing overlapping ship repair, conversion, and marine services capabilities to similar commercial and naval customers, though specializing more in newbuild and standardized vessels.
• Seatrium (formerly Sembcorp Marine): Global offshore, marine, and energy engineering group based in Singapore. A much larger incumbent offering shipbuilding, offshore platforms, and ship repair services; broad portfolio overlap with Nico's marine engineering and offshore capabilities but at significantly greater scale and global geographic reach.

Direct peers

• Drydocks World: UAE-based ship repair, conversion, and newbuild yard operating adjacent facilities in Dubai. Most directly comparable competitor for Middle East commercial and naval vessel repair work, competing for the same dry-docking, retrofit, and conversion contracts.
• Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB): UAE-based shipbuilder and naval vessel provider. Direct peer in Middle East naval and commercial marine engineering, and a known Nico customer receiving 30 propulsion packages for patrol boats - illustrating bidirectional customer/competitor dynamic.
• Lamprell: UAE-based engineering services and construction company serving the offshore and marine sectors. Comparable in Middle East geographic focus and in delivering industrial fabrication, plant maintenance, and marine engineering services to similar oil & gas and marine customers.
• Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY): Bahrain-based ship repair and building yard serving commercial and naval customers in the Arabian Gulf. Direct peer in regional ship repair with overlapping service offerings in dry-docking, engine overhaul, and steel fabrication for Middle East vessel operators.

Others

• Hyundai Heavy Industries: South Korean global shipbuilder and turbomachinery manufacturer. Functions as both OEM partner (HHI-TMC Service Agent Agreement) and indirect competitor through shipyards that serve Middle East customers; not a direct operational peer but ecosystem participant with significant influence on Nico's service capability scope.

Regional players

• Galfar Engineering & Contracting: Oman-based EPC contractor with strong industrial maintenance and plant services portfolio. Regional peer comparable in Middle East industrial engineering and shutdown services, with overlapping presence in Oman but broader EPC focus and larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nicointernationaldubai

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nico International