emirates7 - Drydocks World, Dubai’s original shipyard and a subsidiary of DP World, has launched a nationwide contest to name a massive new addition to its world-class engineering assets—a 5,000-tonne floating crane.
This state-of-the-art crane, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, represents a major engineering breakthrough and reinforces the company’s long-standing dedication to maritime innovation.
Established in 1979 at Mina Rashid under the leadership of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Drydocks World has been a cornerstone of the UAE’s emergence as a global maritime and industrial powerhouse. For over 40 years, the facility has serviced some of the world’s biggest tankers and pioneered advanced floating structures.
The shipyard is now calling on all residents—whether engineers, students, artists, or entrepreneurs—to suggest a meaningful name that captures the essence and purpose of this engineering giant.
The crane, known as a Floating Sheerleg Crane, is currently under construction by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC) and is set to arrive in Dubai in the summer of 2026. However, a name must be chosen soon so it can be engraved during fabrication, becoming a lasting part of the crane’s identity.
Capable of lifting up to 5,000 tonnes to a height of 120 metres, the crane is being praised as a marvel of modern maritime engineering. Once deployed, it will significantly boost Drydocks World’s capacity to execute large-scale maritime and energy infrastructure projects.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, commented, “This crane is more than just a piece of equipment—it stands as a symbol of Dubai’s ambition, resilience, and engineering leadership. We’re creating something exceptional, and now we’re inviting the people of Dubai to be part of that legacy by helping to name it.”
Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, added, “For more than four decades, Drydocks World has played a key role in establishing the UAE as a major maritime center. This crane marks a new era of scale, strength, and innovation.”
To illustrate its might, the crane could hoist 400 double-decker buses or 25 wide-body jets at once. At full extension, its 180-metre reach rivals the height of the Burj Al Arab, making it one of the world’s most powerful and iconic cranes.
The competition is open to all UAE residents. Participants are invited to propose names in Arabic or English that reflect values of strength, heritage, innovation, and the UAE’s forward-looking spirit. Each submission must include a brief explanation of the name’s meaning and inspiration.
A panel comprising Drydocks World executives, Emirati cultural leaders, and branding experts will review and shortlist the entries.
As an added incentive, and in celebration of the upcoming F1 Championship finale at Yas Marina Circuit this December, DP World will award one lucky participant a full-size 2025 McLaren Racing helmet signed by the team.
This state-of-the-art crane, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, represents a major engineering breakthrough and reinforces the company’s long-standing dedication to maritime innovation.
Established in 1979 at Mina Rashid under the leadership of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Drydocks World has been a cornerstone of the UAE’s emergence as a global maritime and industrial powerhouse. For over 40 years, the facility has serviced some of the world’s biggest tankers and pioneered advanced floating structures.
The shipyard is now calling on all residents—whether engineers, students, artists, or entrepreneurs—to suggest a meaningful name that captures the essence and purpose of this engineering giant.
The crane, known as a Floating Sheerleg Crane, is currently under construction by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC) and is set to arrive in Dubai in the summer of 2026. However, a name must be chosen soon so it can be engraved during fabrication, becoming a lasting part of the crane’s identity.
Capable of lifting up to 5,000 tonnes to a height of 120 metres, the crane is being praised as a marvel of modern maritime engineering. Once deployed, it will significantly boost Drydocks World’s capacity to execute large-scale maritime and energy infrastructure projects.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, commented, “This crane is more than just a piece of equipment—it stands as a symbol of Dubai’s ambition, resilience, and engineering leadership. We’re creating something exceptional, and now we’re inviting the people of Dubai to be part of that legacy by helping to name it.”
Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, added, “For more than four decades, Drydocks World has played a key role in establishing the UAE as a major maritime center. This crane marks a new era of scale, strength, and innovation.”
To illustrate its might, the crane could hoist 400 double-decker buses or 25 wide-body jets at once. At full extension, its 180-metre reach rivals the height of the Burj Al Arab, making it one of the world’s most powerful and iconic cranes.
The competition is open to all UAE residents. Participants are invited to propose names in Arabic or English that reflect values of strength, heritage, innovation, and the UAE’s forward-looking spirit. Each submission must include a brief explanation of the name’s meaning and inspiration.
A panel comprising Drydocks World executives, Emirati cultural leaders, and branding experts will review and shortlist the entries.
As an added incentive, and in celebration of the upcoming F1 Championship finale at Yas Marina Circuit this December, DP World will award one lucky participant a full-size 2025 McLaren Racing helmet signed by the team.