Jadaf Dubai records 2,321 ship lifting operations in 2006

The Arabian Gulf's oldest industrial marine yard conducted a total of 2,321 lifting of vessels of different sizes. Dock No 1 received 1,627 vessels weighing 250 tons or less, and Dock No. 2 handled 694 ships that weighed up to 2,500 tons.

All the operations were carried out successfully despite the fact that Jadaf Dubai is currently engaged in relocating its entire inland repair and maintenance yard on the Dubai Creek to the Dubai Maritime City near Port Rashid.

Hamed Mohammed Mattar bin Lahej, General Manager, Jadaf Dubai, said, "The results of the lifting of small and medium sized ships and dhows in our two docks during the last year were very encouraging. Our smooth operations in 2006 proved that work in Jadaf Dubai has not been affected by the relocation process and showcase our ability to work under demanding circumstances.'

The new facility has the capacity to handle ships and boats that weight more than 3000 tons, which is a tremendous addition to Dubai World's capacity building process. The new site will become partly operational by the beginning of the Second Quarter this year."

Jadaf Dubai is constructing two shiplifts in the DMC site, equipping them with state-of-the-art facilities to meet the ever-increasing demand for ship maintenance in Dock 1 will have 31 berths each 90 meters long and 25 meters wide, and equipped with 100-meter shiplift with a capacity of 3,000 tons. Dock 2 will have 11 berths, each measuring 150 meters in length and 35 meters in width, and equipped with a 130-meter, 6,000-ton capacity shiplift.

The Jadaf Dubai management has been carrying out the relocation operation according to a well laid out plan to ensure smooth and safe process.

Mr. Bin Lahej said, "Many of the equipment we are moving are not only massive in size, but also highly sensitive. The new Jadaf Dubai will be equipped with some of the most advanced technology equipment for the first time in the Middle East. We also have a very highly skillful staff and our modern training facilities have attracted many regional operators to seek training for their personnel."

Dubai Maritime City is designed to be the biggest and most comprehensive maritime hub in the world, with an area of 216 hectares. It will offer integrated world-class services and facilities for the maritime and related industries.