Drydocks World Unveils 5,000-Tonne Floating Crane ALNOKHADA: Marking a Milestone for the Region’s Heavy-Lift Future
Drydocks World marked a defining moment in its modernisation journey yesterday with the official launch of its new 5,000-tonne floating crane—an engineering asset set to significantly expand the yard’s heavy-lift capabilities and strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional industrial powerhouse. The event also featured the long-awaited reveal of the crane’s name: ALNOKHADA, chosen from more than 3,000 submissions received from across the country.
The sight of the massive crane barge afloat for the first time drew pride from employees, partners and long-standing collaborators who attended the ceremony. For the organisation, the launch represents far more than the debut of a new piece of equipment—it marks the next phase of a strategic transformation aimed at supporting the region’s accelerated growth across energy, maritime and infrastructure sectors.
Designed to lift components and structures weighing up to 5,000 tonnes, ALNOKHADA will enable Drydocks World to take on larger and more complex industrial projects than ever before. The crane’s capabilities are expected to play a central role in the UAE’s drive to increase local fabrication, offshore construction and advanced engineering activities.
Once fully operational in 2026, the floating crane will give the yard the scale and efficiency required to compete at the highest international standards. According to project managers, it will significantly reduce turnaround times for major modules, topsides, jackets, and other heavy assets, offering customers faster delivery and more streamlined project execution.
For the wider region, the crane unlocks new possibilities. As Gulf economies invest heavily in energy transition, offshore development, ship repair, and large-scale industrial infrastructure, the ability to perform mega-lifts in-house becomes essential. ALNOKHADA is expected to support not only Drydocks World’s own projects but also collaborative ventures with national and international partners.
In keeping with the significance of the launch, Drydocks World held a nationwide naming competition that drew overwhelming participation. More than 3,000 suggestions poured in from individuals across the Emirates, each reflecting creative interpretations of the crane’s role and the nation’s maritime legacy.
The winning name—ALNOKHADA—was submitted by Kim Alfonso and carries a deep historical connection. In traditional Gulf maritime heritage, the nokhada was the captain of the dhow, responsible for leading pearl-diving expeditions with courage, discipline and expertise. These captains guided their crews through unpredictable waters, harsh conditions and long voyages, becoming symbols of leadership and resilience.
Choosing this name for the floating crane is a tribute to that spirit. Just as the nokhada once guided pearl divers through uncharted territory, ALNOKHADA will help guide Drydocks World into a new era of engineering capability. The symbolism resonated strongly with the selection committee, who emphasised that the crane embodies both technical strength and cultural continuity.
Yesterday’s ceremony brought together employees from across divisions, senior leadership, technical teams, and countless individuals who contributed to bringing the project to life. The atmosphere was one of pride and anticipation, as attendees witnessed the unveiling of a machine that represents years of planning, design innovation and meticulous construction.
For many in the organisation, ALNOKHADA is more than an engineering asset—it is a testament to teamwork and shared ambition. The naming competition itself became a point of unity, giving everyone—from welders and engineers to administrative teams and external stakeholders—a chance to connect with the project in a personal way.
Drydocks World leaders expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who participated, noting that the community-driven naming process strengthened the crane’s significance and tied this technological achievement firmly to the cultural and maritime identity of the region.
The introduction of ALNOKHADA comes at a time when the UAE is rapidly scaling up its capabilities in offshore construction, renewable energy, shipbuilding, heavy fabrication and complex industrial maintenance. As national projects grow in size and technical complexity, demand for heavy-lift solutions has risen.
The 5,000-tonne crane is expected to support everything from offshore platform installations and FPSO/FSO upgrades to mega-yard operations and large-scale industrial components. In addition, it positions Drydocks World as a competitive player for global EPC clients seeking advanced lifting capacity within the Middle East.
Analysts note that heavy-lift infrastructure plays a critical role in reducing reliance on foreign yards and enabling more value-added work to remain within the region. With ALNOKHADA, the UAE strengthens not only its maritime expertise but also its industrial sovereignty.
Work continues on the crane’s integration, commissioning and testing phases, which will carry through the next year. By 2026, ALNOKHADA is expected to be fully operational and ready to take on its first major lifts—an achievement that will mark another milestone for the yard and for the UAE’s industrial sector.
As Drydocks World looks to the future, the organisation emphasises that ALNOKHADA is a strategic investment in long-term capability, innovation and growth. It is also a symbol of a workforce united by pride, heritage and a shared mission.
In celebrating the crane’s launch, Drydocks World highlighted the journey ahead—but also the roots that inspire it. With ALNOKHADA, the yard pays homage to the leaders of the past while preparing to shape the engineering landscape of tomorrow.
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