DP World finishes significant expansion of Mina Al Hamriya, boosting Dubai’s maritime infrastructure – Business – Economy and Finance

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DP World Completes Mina Al Hamriya Expansion Project, Strengthening Dubai’s Maritime Capabilities

In a significant move to bolster Dubai’s maritime capabilities, DP World has announced the completion of the Mina Al Hamriya expansion project, marking a milestone in enhancing the port’s operational capacity and solidifying its position as a key trade hub in the Gulf region, East Africa, and India.

The inauguration ceremony, led by H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World Group, was attended by Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director, DP World GCC, along with senior management from DP World and key officials from the Dubai Government. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts that were instrumental in the success of the project, showcasing a shared vision to elevate Dubai’s maritime sector.

Located on mainland Dubai near the Deira Islands, Mina Al Hamriya has evolved in tandem with Dubai’s dynamic maritime landscape. The expansion project, initiated in 2022, reflects a forward-thinking commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global maritime hub. The enhancements include the construction of an additional 1,150 meters of quay wall, expanding the berthing capacity to accommodate a diverse range of vessels, from traditional dhows to modern breakbulk carriers and Ro-Ro ships.

H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, emphasized the significance of Mina Al Hamriya’s growth, stating, “Mina Al Hamriya’s journey from its inception in the 1970s to its current status is a testament to resilience, innovation, and strategic development. This expansion improves our physical infrastructure and reaffirms our commitment to facilitating global and regional trade more efficiently. Building upon the legacy of our predecessors, we ensure that Dubai remains a pivotal maritime hub in the modern era.”

The project has extended the port’s quay to a total of 3,140 meters and added five new berths, bringing the total to 14. The quay extension was accompanied by extensive dredging works, deepening the draft to 8.5 meters to accommodate larger vessels and handle a higher volume of goods and cargo, thereby enhancing efficiency and throughput at the port.

In addition to the quay extension, an 86,000-square-meter apron zone has been developed, increasing the total storage capacity to 403,400 square meters. This area is equipped with state-of-the-art bollards, fenders, and ladders to support operations at the port.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World GCC, highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing Dubai’s maritime infrastructure, stating, “The completion of the Mina Al Hamriya upgrade project underscores DP World’s steadfast dedication to improving Dubai’s maritime capabilities. These enhancements position us to handle a more diverse and larger volume of cargo, setting new benchmarks for operational excellence and capacity in the maritime sector.”

In 2023, Mina Al Hamriya played a crucial role in trade, welcoming over 4,300 ships of various types and handling more than 1.6 million tonnes of cargo, along with significant volumes of vehicles, livestock, and containers. This achievement underscores the port’s vital role in facilitating seamless trade flows across the Gulf, East Africa, India, and beyond, contributing to Dubai’s economic diversification and growth.

Mina Al Hamriya is a key import hub for traditional wooden dhows, particularly for livestock and fruits and vegetables. To enhance efficiencies and provide digital solutions for customers, the port implemented the ‘NAU by DP World’ system in 2020, streamlining dhow entry processes and facilitating booking requests and shipments.

Furthermore, the port’s fishing harbor can accommodate up to 156 fishing boats simultaneously, supporting the local fisheries sector and contributing to the overall maritime ecosystem in Dubai.

The completion of the Mina Al Hamriya expansion project signifies a significant milestone in strengthening Dubai’s maritime capabilities and solidifying its position as a key player in the global trade landscape. With enhanced infrastructure and operational capacity, the port is poised to drive continued growth and efficiency in the maritime sector, further cementing Dubai’s status as a leading maritime hub in the region.