Dubai Maritime City, the purpose-built enclosure for maritime related businesses, carried out a total of 318 vessel docking and undocking operations in the first half of 2011, marking a two fold increase over the same period last year.

The facility recently recorded 50 vessels berthed in its wet and dry berths in a single day.

The industrial district was officially opened earlier this year and accommodates 3000-tonne and 6000-tonne ship lifts.

“We are proud to announce that the Industrial District has been on a strong business footing since its opening,” said Khamis Juma Buamim, chairman of the Board of Drydocks World and Maritime World.

“Our efforts to promote our services among the small to mid-size vessel owners have been very well-received. We are looking to expand and diversify our offerings in the near future to further supplement the available services so that we become the a one-stop shop for all repair needs.”

“Meanwhile, our business partners have also recorded improved business over the year and we hope that the heightened demand will encourage other maritime service providers to set up base at the facility,” he added.

The Dubai Maritime City operations team has successfully docked vessels of various types and categories such as general cargo vessels, tankers, anchor handling vessels, tugs, supply vessels, fishing trawlers, utility vessels, malty cats, yacht, wooden dhows and barges, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service