Dubai Maritime City Enhances Ship-Handling Capacity with Major Upgrades

Dubai Maritime City (DMC) has successfully completed significant infrastructure upgrades, boosting its ship-handling capacity to accommodate 1,000 vessels per year, more than doubling the previous capacity of 400.

The enhancements include retrofitting the ship lifts, introducing new ship cradles, and activating advanced substations and shore power supplies.

These upgrades feature state-of-the-art 6,000-tonne and 3,000-tonne ship lifts, enabling DMC to support more complex shipbuilding and repair projects.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World GCC, stated, “By significantly increasing our vessel handling capacity, the enhanced infrastructure will attract more international shipbuilding and repair companies, stimulating growth in the maritime sector and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading destination for maritime excellence.”

Dubai Maritime City, covering 249 hectares, has already docked 296 vessels in 2024, reflecting a 16% increase in dry berth occupancy compared to last year. The recent upgrades are expected to further enhance DMC’s ability to serve maritime customers, with the introduction of four sets of ship cradles designed for vessels up to 6,000 tonnes and 140 metres in length, adding another 100 vessels to its docking capacity.

The upgrades were inaugurated by Ahmed Al Hammadi, Chief Operating Officer of DMC, and Nils Rolland, Chief Operating Officer of Syncrolift, alongside senior management from both organizations. Rolland remarked, “Our partnership with Dubai Maritime City exemplifies our shared commitment to advancing maritime infrastructure and operational excellence, providing DMC with a competitive edge in servicing a larger volume of vessels with greater efficiency.”

In addition to the infrastructure upgrades, DMC has signed a maintenance management service agreement for its ship lifting and transferring facilities, along with an ongoing marine structures rehabilitation project to extend the lifespan of critical components by 15 years. The initiatives align with Dubai’s sustainability goals, ensuring reliable and eco-friendly power solutions for docked vessels while enhancing the city’s position as a premier global maritime hub.