Drydocks World Signs Deal for Largest Floating Sheerleg Crane in MENA, Boosting Offshore Lifts

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Drydocks World has formally entered into a contract with Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC) to acquire a state-of-the-art 5,000-tonne floating sheerleg crane. The agreement, announced today, aims to address the rising demand for large-scale offshore projects. The signing ceremony was held in Dubai and featured prominent figures including His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World; You Ruikai, Chairman of ZPMC; and senior executives from both organizations.

The design, construction, testing, and commissioning of the new crane are projected to span approximately 24 months, with completion anticipated in the second quarter of 2026. This crane is set to significantly enhance Drydocks World’s heavy-lifting capabilities, enabling the company to meet the increasing requirements of substantial offshore projects such as high-voltage offshore converter platforms and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel topsides.

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The crane’s advanced design includes a 160-meter-long A-frame that allows for lifting loads of up to 5,000 tonnes to a height of 120 meters above the water. Additionally, it features a 600-tonne fly jib with an extended reach of 180 meters, facilitating the installation of larger vessel modules both nearshore and offshore. Its ability to accommodate up to 50 personnel offshore will also help minimize the reliance on support vessels. The crane’s versatility makes it ideal for constructing offshore platforms, bridges, and other marine developments.

H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem emphasized the strategic significance of this investment, stating, "The acquisition of such a substantial piece of equipment represents a major milestone for Drydocks World and reflects our commitment to enhancing our service offerings and achieving operational excellence globally. This crane will not only reinforce our leadership in the maritime industry but also bolster our capacity to support projects that drive regional economic growth."

Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, noted, "Securing the largest crane of this kind in the Middle East and Africa marks a transformative step for Drydocks World. As offshore vessels continue to expand, the need for advanced lifting solutions has become more critical. This new sheerleg crane, with its capability to handle heavier modules and accelerate project timelines, will enable us to undertake more extensive and complex projects, thereby strengthening our position as a global leader in maritime and offshore energy sectors. ZPMC’s expertise in high-capacity crane manufacturing makes them an ideal partner to elevate our lifting capabilities and ensure success in major projects regionally and internationally."

You Ruikai, Chairman of ZPMC, highlighted the historical success of past projects with DP World and expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: "Our collaboration with Drydocks World continues our successful track record with DP World and paves the way for future projects. We are honored to deliver a cutting-edge crane that blends power with the latest technology to achieve maximum efficiency and safety."

The crane will be constructed from high-strength steel and incorporate advanced safety technologies along with a sophisticated integrated control system to enhance operational efficiency. It will feature an automatic ballasting system for stability and include a high-capacity ballast water treatment plant, underscoring Drydocks World's commitment to environmental sustainability.

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