Dubai Maritime City acquires world's largest mobile boat hoist

Dubai: Dubai Maritime City, an industrial cluster under the Dubai World Group of companies, said it has acquired the world's largest mobile boat hoist that will help it in attracting business from small and medium-sized vessels.

The hoist, which weighs 300 tonnes, is capable of lifting 720-tonne boats. It will be load-tested in early August 2008, and will be fully operational in October.

The hoist took a year to build in Italy and was assembled in 45 days in Dubai with the assistance of Italian industrial lifting equipment specialist Ascom.

Dubai Maritime City said in a statement the lifting equipment will complement its two ship lifts as it will concentrate on the handling of smaller crafts, particularly mega yachts.

To be operated by Drydocks World - Dubai, the hoist can be operated manually or through remote control and can be turned in all angles. Besides the UAE, only Italy and Spain operate exactly the same model.

"Positioning dedicated equipment for our small-craft clients further focuses our services while speeding up and enhancing our overall boat handling capacity. The addition of this record-breaking hoist affirms our commitment to becoming the premier maritime hub in the region and a preferred global port for some of the most unique shipping services in the world," said Ali Al Daboos, chief operating officer of Dubai Maritime City.

The new hoist has an average life of 150,000 small watercraft handling cycles, with each working cycle involving boat lifting; lay up location positioning; sling lifting; moving to next lift location, and preparing for the next load.

"Drydocks World - Dubai is looking to expand the range of services to the small and medium-sized vessel owners through its dedicated facility. The new hoist will add to our capability in handling smaller vessels especially yachts, which is a market that we are focused on tapping into with added zeal," said Nawal Saigal, managing director of Drydocks World - Dubai.