Sheikh Hamdan approves Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030

Image: Dubai Media Office/ RTA

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has signed off on the Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030.

Sheikh Hamdan visited the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offices recently to review the plan and was given an overview by Mattar Al Tayer, DG and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

The master plan includes the expansion of the emirate’s marine transport network, a significant increase in passenger lines and the manufacturing of the world’s first electric abra using 3D printing technology, the Dubai Media Office reported.

Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030:  the details

The plan will enable a 188 per cent increase in the overall length of the marine transport network, taking it from 55 to 158 kilometres; it is also targeting a 51 per cent increase in the number of users, from 14.7 million to 22.2 million annually by 2030.

Transport stations will increase from 48 to 79 stations along the Dubai Creek, Dubai Water Canal, coastline of the Arabian Gulf and various waterfront projects.

The plan includes increasing passenger transport lines from seven to 35, marking a 400 per cent surge, in addition to expanding the fleet by 32 per cent, from 196 to 258 marine vessels.

.@HamdanMohammed approves Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030.

Key Highlights:

– 51% increase in marine transport users
– 188% extension of the marine transport network
– 65% rise in marine transport stations
– 400% expansion of marine transport lines
– 32% growth of the… pic.twitter.com/RuE2PhY693

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 10, 2023

RTA plans to manufacture 3D printed abra

During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the plan to produce the world’s first electric abra using 3D printing technology in collaboration with the private sector.

Designed to carry 20 passengers, the 3D-printed boat features a design inspired by original abras. The initiative cuts manufacturing time by 90 per cent and enables 30 per cent cost savings.

He also reviewed the operational metrics and performance of the Al Garhoud RTA Marine Maintenance Centre.

The region’s biggest marine maintenance facility covers 5,000 square metres, comprising five distinct workshops, a 250-metre pier, a dock that can accommodate boats up to 32 metres in length, a boat crane with a lifting capacity of up to 100 tonnes, three storage areas, zones designated for marine and external tasks, administrative spaces and an employee rest zone.

The workshop can accommodate 16 boats at a time and cuts maintenance costs by about 50 per cent.

The Crown Prince was also apprised on the predictive maintenance system for water transport modes which involves installing remote monitoring devices and sensors onboard these vessels.

RTA is also planning to introduce a real-time monitoring system empowered by artificial intelligence to analyse data, predict faults and plan ahead for potential spare part requirements.

Autonomous abras

Sheikh Hamdan was also updated on the trial run of the world’s first autonomous electric abra. In its initial phase, the abra successfully cleared Level 4 of the International Driving Automation Index out of a possible six levels.

The trials involved operating the abra entirely autonomously and without the need for a captain between Al Jaddaf Station and Dubai Festival City Marine Transport Station, adhering to the route with 100 per cent accuracy. Efforts are currently underway to successfully complete Level 5 of the Index by 2024.

Al Tayer said the autonomous electric abra boasts a host of advanced features highlighted by zero carbon emissions, operating and maintenance cost savings of 30 per cent and the elimination of noise compared to diesel-powered abras.

During the visit, the Crown Prince also met with Hanadi Mohammed Al Doseri, the first Emirati woman to captain a mass marine transport vessel. Al Doseri recounted her journey towards securing the qualifications needed to pilot sub-200 tonne ships on coastal voyages. He commended Al Doseri for her accomplishments.

Al Doseri’s qualifications include five safety training certificates compliant with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. Al Doseri also has successfully completed three months of maritime service and has received two more specialised training certificates.

She is also licensed to pilot sea-faring craft in the 12-metre and 24-metre categories. She is also on track to secure a license for piloting sub-200-tonne ships on coastal journeys.

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