Major upgrades were announced in marine transport in Dubai. Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030 was approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, during his visit to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

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Updates to Marine Transport in Dubai

PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

Among the key aims of Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030 are:

51% increase in marine transport users from 14M to 22M
188% extension of the marine transport network from 55km to 158km
65% rise in the number of marine stations from 48 to 79
32% increase in the marine transport fleet from 196 vessels to 258
400% expansion of marine lines from 7 to 35

The RTA has adopted new technologies to make the world's first autonomous electric abra even better. During the initial phase, the electric vessel reached Level 4 of the International Driving Automation Index. The capacity of the abra is 8 passengers. During the trials, the electric abra moved autonomously between Al Jaddaf Station and Dubai Festival City Marine Transport Station with 100% accuracy. It's planned that in 2024 it will feature a new design, as well as a reduced weight thanks to used fibreglass, and plans to achieve Level 5 out of 6 of the Index.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also reviewed the RTA's initiative to create the world's first electric abra with the help of 3D printing technology in partnership with the private sector. It's planned that the vessel will carry 20 passengers and feature a design which goes back to traditional abras.

The targeted date for the prototype abra production is February 2024. The creation of the electric abra with the help of 3D printing technology will lead to:

90% reduction in manufacturing time
30% decrease in manufacturing costs of the abra