Post by : Badri Ariffin

Drydocks World has achieved a significant construction milestone with the successful launch of its brand-new 5,000-tonne floating crane ALNOKHADA. This momentous event heralds the subsequent phase of its development, with the vessel on track for delivery in Dubai by Q2 2026.

Constructed in partnership with ZPMC Offshore, the formidable crane barge has completed its initial fabrication and is now poised to enter an exhaustive outfitting process. This phase will encompass the installation and testing of vital systems leading up to its full commissioning in early 2026.

The name ALNOKHADA was chosen through a nationwide contest that attracted over 3,000 contributions. The winning entry was submitted by Kim Alfonso, a certified lifting equipment engineer from the Philippines who has previously collaborated with Drydocks World. The name originates from the Gulf Arabic term النوخذة (Al Nokhada), honoring the traditional captain of a dhow—a symbol of leadership and resilience deeply rooted in the UAE's maritime legacy.

Stretching 138.5 meters in length, with a 52-meter beam and a 5.8-meter draft, ALNOKHADA is meticulously engineered for some of the most demanding heavy-lift tasks in the region. Its main hook boasts a remarkable 5,000-tonne lifting capacity, complemented by a 600-tonne auxiliary hook with a reach of up to 180 meters. Once operational, this vessel will significantly enhance Drydocks World’s capabilities to support intricate offshore, industrial, and energy initiatives with improved efficiency and scale.

With ALNOKHADA now successfully afloat and moving towards final construction, this project represents a critical advancement in boosting the UAE's heavy-lift capabilities and amplifying the nation’s influence in regional maritime and industrial development.

#Dubai