Dubai Maritime City Enhances Ship Handling Capacity to 1,000 Vessels, Solidifying Global Maritime Hub Status

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai Maritime City (DMC) has announced the successful completion of substantial infrastructure upgrades, significantly enhancing its ship handling capacity and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading global maritime hub. This milestone is set to bolster the Emirate's economic growth and align with the strategic goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The upgrades at DMC include the retrofitting of ship lifts, the introduction of new ship cradles, and the activation of advanced substations and shore power supplies. With the addition of upgraded 6,000-tonne and 3,000-tonne ship lifts, DMC has more than doubled its ship handling capacity from 400 to 1,000 vessels per year. This improvement allows for more complex shipbuilding and repair projects, catering to a wider range of maritime needs.

Dubai Maritime City, a sprawling 249-hectare waterfront platform, represents the seafaring heritage of Dubai and serves as the region’s premier maritime cluster. It provides top-tier services for luxury yacht and commercial shipbuilding and repair companies. So far in 2024, DMC has successfully docked 296 vessels, marking a 16% increase in dry berth occupancy compared to the same period last year.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The completion of these upgrades was celebrated during an inauguration ceremony attended by key figures in the maritime industry. Ahmed Al Hammadi, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Maritime City, and Nils Rolland, Chief Operating Officer of Syncrolift, presided over the event, alongside senior management from Syncrolift, DP World, and Dubai Maritime City, including Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer, Parks & Zones at DP World GCC.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World GCC, emphasized the importance of the upgrades, stating, “The completion of these upgrades signifies our commitment to the growth and expansion of Dubai Maritime City. By significantly increasing our vessel handling capacity, the enhanced infrastructure will attract more international shipbuilding and repair companies, support our partners more effectively, and stimulate growth in the maritime sector, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading destination for maritime excellence.”

Nils Rolland remarked, “Our partnership with Dubai Maritime City exemplifies our shared commitment to advancing maritime infrastructure and operational excellence. The enhancements will provide DMC with a competitive edge in servicing a larger volume of vessels with greater efficiency, supporting the region's maritime sector's growth.”

As part of these upgrades, DMC signed an agreement for the engineering, procurement, and construction of four sets of ship cradles. The first two sets have already been inaugurated and are designed to accommodate vessels weighing up to 6,000 tonnes and measuring 140 meters in length. This addition is expected to increase docking capacity by an additional 100 vessels per year, enhancing DMC’s ability to serve a growing number of maritime customers.

Moreover, the activation of new substations and shore power supplies aims to provide reliable and environmentally friendly power solutions for docked vessels, aligning with Dubai's sustainability objectives. DMC also signed a maintenance management service agreement for its ship lifting and transferring facilities, showcasing its commitment to ongoing infrastructure excellence.

The rehabilitation project involving marine structures includes refurbishing critical components, extending their lifespan by an estimated 15 years. This initiative demonstrates DMC’s dedication to maintaining high operational standards while enhancing its service offerings to the maritime community.