On October 28, Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery (ZPMC) successfully held a steel cutting ceremony for the 5,000-ton floating sheerleg crane ship built for Dubai’s Drydocks World.
It is understood that the 5,000 T crane ship is fully undertaken by ZPMC for design, procurement, construction and shipping. The design, construction, testing, and commissioning phase is expected to take approximately 24 months, with completion scheduled in the second quarter of 2026.
Once operational, the crane will boost Drydocks World’s heavy-lifting capabilities, allowing it to meet the growing demands of large-scale projects, such as high-voltage offshore converter platforms and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel topsides. The company’s latest investment will leverage its existing expertise, exemplified by the successful execution of significant projects such as the conversion of Tango FLNG and Excalibur FSU vessels, the refurbishment and conversion of Firenze FPSO and the ongoing EPC project on UK Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Platforms.
The crane features a 160-meter-long A-frame, allowing heavy loads of up to 5,000 tonnes to be lifted 120 meters above the water, and a 600-tonne fly jib that can extend its reach to 180 meters. This capability enables the installation of larger vessel modules constructed in the yard and lifted onto the vessel for assembly, both nearshore and offshore. The crane can accommodate up to 50 personnel offshore, thereby reducing the need for support vessels. Its versatility also makes it well-suited for the construction of offshore platforms, bridges, and marine developments.
DP World is a world leader in global supply chain solutions based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, offering cargo logistics, port terminal operations, maritime services and free trade zones. Since its founding in 1972 as a Dubai local port operator, DP World has become a global logistics provider with operations across every continent.