3D abra to join Dubai Maritime Transport

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved a plan to revamp the Emirate’s maritime transport. The main aim of the modernisation is to expand the water network and add new vessels to carry millions of passengers. Dubai’s maritime transport is expected to be able to handle more than 22 million passengers a year by 2030, a growth of more than 50 per cent from 14 million this year.

As part of the redevelopment, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will work with private organisations to begin work on the world’s first electric abrasion machine, created using a 3D printer. The prototype is expected to be ready by February next year, and will combine sleek design with the aesthetic heritage of the wooden abra. The 3D printing project will reduce manufacturing time by 90 per cent, and cut costs by 30 per cent. It is estimated that the abra will be able to carry up to 20 people,

The first unmanned self-navigating electric abra, designed to carry up to 8 passengers, is already being tested. The trials include fully autonomous operation of the abra, without the captain’s involvement, between Al Jaddaf Station and Dubai Festival City Marine Transport Station.

In addition, the modernisation plan includes increasing the length of the maritime network from 55km to 158km over the next seven years, adding new water stations (a minimum of 31 units), increasing the number of passenger lines (from seven to 35) and introducing new vessels (more than 50 units).

The upgraded service will link stations from Dubai Marina, around the Palm, take passengers to the Dubai Canal, past Business Bay and the Dubai Design District to Jaddaf Creek Harbour. Routes will also be extended from Dubai’s old neighbourhood, including Shindagha and Al Ghubaiba stations, to Al Mamzar and Sharjah.

Source: The National

Follow our Telegram Chanel