Dubai Drydocks is expected to become one of the leading shipbuilders in the region, with the launch of its $60 million new building panel line and steel structure assembly facility in July. The current facility has a monthly turnover of 2,800 tonnes of steel. After expansion the yard is planning to turn over similar volumes of steel per month for the newbuilding. The shipyard, which also wants to be involved in tanker, bulk carrier and containership sectors is planning to build four 47,000 dwt products carriers in a series that could extend to 20 vessels.

The first phase of work, involving the landward panel line, is expected to finish by April, while the load-out facility will be ready by August. In addition to shipbuilding the new plant will add 10 per cent to the existing shiprepair capacity of the Dubai Drydocks. Overall, the plant once ready will account for 25 per cent of Dubai Drydocks total turnover, enabling it to build vessels up to 15,000 to 20,000 dwt, including tankers and container ships. The plant will be able to build 120m long and 60m wide vessels. This means that Dubai Drydocks could build hulls in three sections for future FPSOs. The project will occupy 140,000 square metres from the current shipyard area of 800,000 square metres and will include an innovative hydrolift system for launching new ships.