Dubai: Drydocks World, Dubai's original shipyard and a DP World company, has launched an emirate-wide competition to name a major new addition to its engineering portfolio-a 5,000-tonne floating crane. As the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, the crane signifies a new chapter in engineering innovation, highlighting the company's dedication to maritime excellence.
According to Emirates News Agency, Drydocks World has been at the forefront of the UAE's emergence as a global maritime and industrial hub since its opening in Mina Rashid by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum in 1979. The shipyard has been instrumental in repairing the world's largest tankers and building advanced floating infrastructure over four decades.
Drydocks World is now calling upon residents-from engineers and students to poets and business pioneers-to propose a name that encapsulates the crane's purpose and significance. The Floating Sheerleg Crane, constructed by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC), is scheduled for delivery to Dubai in the summer of 2026. The name must be finalised soon to be engraved onto the crane, becoming part of its identity for years to come.
The crane is designed to lift loads of up to 5,000 tonnes to a height of 120 metres above water, marking it as a modern marvel of maritime engineering. Once operational, it will enhance Drydocks World's capacity to execute large-scale maritime and energy projects.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, remarked, "This crane is more than machinery. It's a symbol of Dubai's ambition, resilience and engineering excellence. We are building something extraordinary. Now we invite the people of Dubai to help give it a name that reflects our shared values, heritage, and vision for the future."
Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, added, "For over 40 years, Drydocks World has supported the UAE's rise as a global maritime hub. This new crane represents the next leap forward in scale, capability, and innovation."
With a maximum lift of 5,000 tonnes, the crane's capacity is equivalent to lifting 400 double-decker buses or twenty-five wide-body aircraft. Its 180-metre reach, when fully extended, matches the rooftop height of the iconic Burj Al Arab, making it one of the most powerful and visually impressive cranes globally.
The competition is open to all residents, inviting names that have cross-cultural appeal and symbolise strength, maritime heritage, innovation, and the UAE's future. Entries must include proposed names in Arabic or English, accompanied by a brief explanation of their meaning and inspiration. Names will be shortlisted by a panel including Drydocks World leadership, Emirati cultural figures, and branding specialists.
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