Prime Highlights
- DMC recorded a record 52 vessels in dry berths on July 28.
- Dry-berth occupancy rose 22% year-on-year in July.
Key Facts
- DMC is a Dubai-based maritime services and ship repair hub.
- Monthly vessel numbers increased 7% to 202.
Background
Dubai Maritime City (DMC), a maritime services and ship repair hub, recorded 52 vessels in its dry berths on July 28, marking its highest single-day occupancy as demand for vessel maintenance continues to rise.
Dry-berth occupancy increased 22% year-on-year in July. The number of vessels handled during the month also rose 7% to 202 from 188 a year earlier.
Offshore vessels measuring up to 150 metres made up a large share of the increase. Operators are servicing their fleets more frequently to maintain operational readiness as regional oil and gas activity expands.
Demand from yachts and pleasure craft also recorded strong growth. Dry-berth occupancy for these vessels increased 88% year-on-year in July and 110% so far this year.
Abdulla Al Hashmi, Global COO of Parks & Economic Zones at DP World, said rising activity at DMC reflects the growth of regional maritime industries. He added that investment in the facility is increasing capacity and supporting Dubai’s role as a maritime services and logistics hub.
Ahmed Alhammadi, COO of DMC, said the strong July performance shows growing confidence among shipowners. He said the facility is investing in infrastructure, technology and equipment to meet customer demand.
DMC is also expanding services for smaller vessels. It is acquiring and retrofitting more than 500 ship cradle units, with capacity to accommodate up to 60 small craft at a time. The facility can serve yachts, leisure boats, traditional wooden dhows, commercial vessels and offshore ships.
The hub is also increasing automation. Three vehicle gates now handle around 16,000 vehicle movements each week through digital systems. DMC has also introduced AI-based safety systems and is automating berth bookings and reservations.
These upgrades are aimed at improving capacity, safety and operational efficiency while strengthening DMC’s position as a major regional maritime services hub.
