HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has given his approval to the Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030. This comprehensive plan entails a 188 percent expansion of the marine transport network, a 400 percent increase in passenger lines, and the development of the world’s first electric abra using 3D printing technology.
During a visit to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), HH Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the master plan, receiving an overview from Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA. The plan aims to increase the number of marine transport users by 51 percent, from 14.7 million to 22.2 million annually by 2030. It also outlines an expansion of the marine transport network by 188 percent, from 55 km to 158 km.
Furthermore, the plan involves the construction of additional marine transport stations, increasing the count from 48 to 79 stations along various waterways. Passenger transport lines are set to grow from seven to 35, marking a 400 percent surge, and the marine transport fleet will expand by 32 percent, from 196 to 258 marine vessels.
HH Sheikh Hamdan also learned about RTA’s initiative to manufacture the world’s first electric abra using 3D printing technology in partnership with the private sector. This innovative 3D-printed boat, designed to carry 20 passengers, combines aesthetics and heritage cues of traditional abras while reducing manufacturing time by 90 percent and enabling 30 percent cost savings.
Additionally, HH Sheikh Hamdan was updated on the operational metrics and performance of the Al Garhoud RTA Marine Maintenance Centre, the largest marine maintenance facility in the region. The workshop, inaugurated in 2018, has enhanced the efficiency of 57 RTA marine transport craft, reduced maintenance costs by approximately 50 percent, and provided technical training to UAE nationals specializing in marine transport maintenance.
The visit also included information about the predictive maintenance system for marine transport modes, incorporating remote monitoring devices and sensors to enhance safety and operational efficiency. HH Sheikh Hamdan was informed about the trial run of the world’s first autonomous electric abra, which aims to achieve Level 5 of the International Driving Automation Index by 2024.
During the visit, HH Sheikh Hamdan met with Hanadi Mohammed Al Doseri, the first Emirati woman to captain a mass marine transport vessel. He commended Al Doseri for her accomplishments and expressed his appreciation for the achievements of Emirati women in various fields. Al Doseri’s qualifications include safety training certificates and specialized training, and she is on track to secure a license for piloting sub-200-tonne ships on coastal journeys.