Dubai Maritime City Upgrades Infrastructure To Handle 1,000 Vessels Annually

Dubai Maritime City (DMC) has completed significant infrastructure upgrades, enhancing its ship handling capacity and reinforcing Dubai's status as a leading global maritime hub. These improvements include retrofitting ship lifts, introducing new ship cradles, and activating advanced substations and shore power supplies. The upgrades have increased DMC's ship handling capacity from 400 to 1,000 vessels annually, supporting more complex shipbuilding and repair projects.

The recent completion of these works was celebrated with an inauguration ceremony attended by Ahmed Al Hammadi, COO of Dubai Maritime City, and Nils Rolland, COO of Syncrolift. Senior management from Syncrolift, DP World, and Dubai Maritime City were also present. Abdulla Al Hashmi, COO of Parks and Zones at DP World GCC, was among the attendees.

These developments align with DMC’s commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global maritime centre. They also contribute to the Emirate’s economic growth in line with the strategic goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The increased capacity is expected to improve Dubai’s rankings in key maritime indices.

DMC spans 249 hectares as a waterfront platform that embodies Dubai's seafaring heritage. It serves as the premier maritime cluster in the region, offering top-tier services for luxury yacht and commercial shipbuilding and repair companies. In 2024 alone, DMC docked 296 vessels with a 16% rise in dry berth occupancy compared to last year.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, stated: "The completion of these upgrades represents 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 added: "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."

New Agreements and Sustainability Goals

Apart from upgrading ship lifts, DMC signed an agreement for engineering, procurement, and construction of four sets of ship cradles. The first two sets have been inaugurated to accommodate vessels up to 6,000 tonnes and 140 metres long. This addition is expected to increase docking capacity by 100 vessels annually.

The activation of new substations and shore power supply aims to offer reliable eco-friendly power solutions for docked vessels. This aligns with Dubai’s sustainability objectives. Alongside this new infrastructure inauguration, DMC signed a maintenance management service agreement for its ship lifting facilities.

DMC also showcased progress on an ongoing marine structures rehabilitation project involving steel structure refurbishment. This project aims to extend the lifespan of these structures by 15 years.

With inputs from WAM