Drydocks World Unveils 5,000-Tonne Floating Crane ALNOKHADA

Drydocks World has achieved a significant construction milestone with the successful launch of its innovative 5,000-tonne floating crane ALNOKHADA, paving the way for the next stages of development ahead of its anticipated delivery in Dubai by the second quarter of 2026.

This formidable crane barge, developed in partnership with ZPMC Offshore, has completed its key fabrication phase and is now transitioning to a rigorous outfitting phase. This important stage includes the installation and testing of critical systems leading up to full commissioning in early 2026.

The name ALNOKHADA was selected through a national public competition, attracting over 3,000 entries. The winning submission came from Kim Alfonso, a certified lifting equipment engineer from the Philippines with previous ties to Drydocks World. The name references the Gulf Arabic term النوخذة (Al Nokhada), denoting the traditional dhow captain—symbolic of leadership, resilience, and the rich maritime heritage of the UAE.

D spanning 138.5 metres, with a 52-metre beam and a 5.8-metre draft, ALNOKHADA is specifically designed to tackle some of the region’s most challenging heavy-lift operations. Its main hook delivers an astonishing 5,000-tonne lifting capacity, complemented by a 600-tonne auxiliary hook capable of extending up to 180 metres. Once operational, this vessel will significantly enhance Drydocks World’s capacity to support complex offshore, industrial, and energy projects with improved efficiency and scale.

With ALNOKHADA now afloat and moving onward in construction, this project underscores the UAE's commitment to bolstering heavy-lift capabilities and broadening the nation’s position in regional maritime and industrial advancement.