FAMCO and MAR: A partnership making waves in construction

Since its founding in 2018, MAR Marine & Building Contracting has steadily made a name for itself as a regional powerhouse in marine and civil construction. With headquarters in both the UAE and Lebanon, and operations stretching across the Middle East and Africa, the company has delivered more than 200 projects for over 340 satisfied clients – an impressive track record for a relatively young player in the industry.

At the core of MAR’s success is a clear commitment to quality, timely project delivery, and customer satisfaction, across a portfolio of marine works, steel works, civil construction, dredging and excavation, and sea pipeline installation for both public and private sector clients. These are technically demanding, logistically complex projects, often delivered in harsh coastal environments where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.

Marine muscle in demanding conditions

Marine and coastal infrastructure projects are among the most challenging in the construction industry. Working on or near water presents constant technical and environmental variables – from shifting tides and corrosive saltwater to strict regulatory frameworks and tight timelines. Success in this field depends on experience, planning, and dependable machinery that can operate efficiently in unforgiving conditions.

Recognising this, MAR has invested in a high-performance fleet that includes over 40 crawler excavators and articulated haulers from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE). The company has relied on Volvo machines since 1990 for their robust engineering and operational efficiency, which translate to high uptime and productivity – essential factors in delivering quality on schedule.

The articulated haulers are primarily used to move rocks for constructing breakwaters and sand for backfilling, while the excavators load and unload the trucks, place the rocks and carry out any trimming required. Contributing to their success in tough coastal environments, the Volvo machines benefit from using corrosion-resistant materials, sealed electrical systems, and cooling and hydraulic protection.

Trusted equipment from a trusted partner

In the UAE, MAR’s Volvo fleet is supplied and serviced by Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO), the country’s longstanding Volvo dealer. It’s a partnership rooted in mutual trust and aligned values, with both companies placing a premium on reliability, service, and long-term performance.

“Today we take a moment to thank our trusted partner FAMCO for all their support,” said Marwan Nakhoul, project site engineer at MAR Marine & Building Contracting. “In our work, success depends on strong partnerships. At MAR, we count on reliable suppliers to help keep our projects running smoothly. FAMCO, together with Volvo Construction Equipment, has always been one of our most trusted partners.”

Nakhoul adds that the quality of Volvo machines has translated into tangible project outcomes. “Thanks to the high quality of their machines, we’ve had less downtime and finished our work faster and more efficiently,” he said. “Our partnership with FAMCO is a big reason for our success. Their top-quality equipment keeps our projects moving forward and helps us reach our goals with confidence.”

Supporting regional growth

With marine infrastructure continuing to be a priority across the Middle East and parts of Africa – whether for port development, energy terminals, or shoreline protection – contractors such as MAR play a crucial role in enabling economic growth and environmental resilience. Their ability to mobilise quickly, deliver specialist work, and maintain high standards makes them key partners on national and regional projects.

As MAR looks to the future, its leadership understands that strong foundations require more than engineering expertise – they require dependable technology, responsive service, and collaborative relationships. With FAMCO and Volvo CE at MAR’s side, the company is well positioned to keep building its reputation across the region, one marine project at a time.