Dubai Maritime City announces completion of new Dubai Drydocks channel

The channel is specially designed to facilitate access by allowing larger vessels to safely enter Dubai Drydocks.

"After carrying out rigorous simulated tests on a number of large vessels in various wind and sea conditions, we are confident that the newly completed channel will enhance the development activities of Dubai Maritime City," said Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive of Dubai Drydocks. "Measuring approximately 600m with an average depth of 13.00m and width of more than 420m, the channel is protected by the main breakwater of the Dubai Drydocks, which has been moved significantly seawards to allow for the development of Dubai Maritime City," he added.

"This marks a new phase for the Dubai Maritime City project. Dubai's maritime community is keenly awaiting the completion of Dubai Maritime City, set to provide a unique world-class hub to the maritime industry," said Amer Ali, Project Manager of Dubai Maritime City. "Dubai Maritime City is going to be completed in a series of planned phases. The next phase will include the completion of Dubai Maritime City's north and south revetments," he added.

Computer-modelled tests relating to wave action and currents were carried out during the design of the new breakwaters to ensure that the same level protection to the harbour basin and that the entry channel would be maintained. In addition, industry-wide issues have been considered including siltation and currents.

After undertaking a numerical wave disturbance study, the new channel has been designed in a brand new layout to ensure lower wave disturbance compared to the existing layout. A navigational desk study was performed on the
new layout to verify the manoeuvring through the channel and Dubai Drydocks basin.

For the construction of the Dubai Drydocks breakwater and the offshore breakwater, a quarry run was utilized from the existing breakwaters. In addition two to five tonne pieces of primary armour rock and 22,000 pieces of secondary armour units were used for the construction.