Drydocks World launches Alnokhada, the region’s mightiest floating crane

Drydocks World has successfully launched afloat its new 5,000 tonne floating crane ALNOKHADA marking the completion of its primary fabrication phase and a major milestone towards delivery in Dubai in Q2 2026.

The crane is being constructed by ZPMC Offshore, continuing a long-standing collaboration that reflects the engineering strength and shared capabilities of both partners. With the crane barge now afloat, the project has entered outfitting phase which includes system installation and testing ahead of commissioning scheduled for Q1 2026.

The crane has been officially named ALNOKHADA following a nationwide competition that received more than 3,000 submissions. The winning name was submitted by Kim Alfonso, a certified lifting equipment engineer from the Philippines, who had previously worked for Drydocks World.

The name comes from the Gulf Arabic word النوخذة (Al Nokhada), meaning the dhow boat captain, one who would lead often dangerous pearl diving expeditions. It draws on Dubai’s maritime heritage of leadership, resilience and the spirit of those who chart the nation’s path at sea. Inviting the public to name the vessel underscores Drydocks World’s commitment to linking its engineering achievements to the communities it serves.

ALNOKHADA spans 138.5 metres in length with a 52 metre beam and 5.8 metre draft. Its lifting system combines a 5,000-tonne main hook with a 600-tonne auxiliary hook reaching 180 metres. Once operational, the crane will join Drydocks World’s heavy-lift fleet, delivering the capacity required for complex offshore, industrial and energy projects, with greater speed, enhanced safety and the scale to meet rising demand.

H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said: “ALNOKHADA stands as a powerful symbol of the UAE’s engineering ambition and the spirit of possibility that drives our progress. By acquiring one of the region’s most capable heavy-lift vessels, we are strengthening our ability to support offshore, industrial and energy developments that improve lives and grow economies. The name is fitting for a vessel that will take our capabilities to new heights.”

Capt. Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO, Drydocks World, said: “ ALNOKHADA represents a major step in the long-term development of our yard and the future of heavy-lift capability in the region. Beyond its engineering significance, the crane is central to our investment strategy, strengthening our capacity to deliver the next generation of offshore vessels and industrial mega projects, both offshore and onshore. As it enters its final phase of construction, we look forward to the role it will play in positioning Drydocks World at the centre of the region’s industrial transformation.”