All this equipment is assembled, commissioned, inspected and tested at Dubai Waterfront before it is transported to the island location.

In conclusion, it is safe to say that the innovation and efficiency of our central hubs pave the way for our accomplishments worldwide.

The staffing and size of the hub varies according to the projects we are carrying out in the region. Currently, the hub is at an unseen peak, and the Al Omairah project has something to do with this.

While our biggest dredgers transport sand for the island to the project site at the beginning of 2024, we prepared huge amounts of land equipment at Dubai Waterfront that will help shape the island. For the land works, we will apply various engineering techniques on an unprecedented scale, which requires a lot of specialised equipment.

For this project, we are constructing an offshore island from scratch, some 80 kilometres before the coast of Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Precisely because we are building an island from scratch, good preparations are key. Not only do we need a lot of specialised equipment, it must also be fully ready for use once it is transported. Adjustments on site, on the high seas, are not possible.

Thumilan Munivel
Senior Technical Superintendent Vessel Maintenance

Rafeeqe Mohammed
Senior Technical Superintendent

Over 400 people work at Dubai Waterfront in different areas of expertise. Beyond providing technical and logistical assistance, the hub serves as a valuable knowledge centre. Here, we possess the right knowledge to procure new equipment and to engage in regional tender processes. Another advantage are the immense learning opportunities. Both for new staff, crew members and workers, the hub is the place to be to gain hands-on experience and develop job-specific skills.

In essence, the hub’s main goal is to prepare projects in the best possible way and help them to kick off smoothly. With all kinds of equipment at hand and the expertise to innovate or swiftly repair machinery, it is an indispensable factor for success.

Performing repair services
Next to vast storage facilities, the Dubai Waterfront hub houses mechanical, electrical and welding workshops. Day and night, skilled craftsmen repair a spectrum of heavy machinery, auxiliary equipment and tugs, pontoons and barges, as well as cutter heads and floating pipelines. These continuous repair operations ensure optimal functionality for all projects around the clock.

Ensuring a smooth logistics flow
From all over the world, material and equipment is mobilised to and from projects. Whenever a job is done, these resources are transported to one of our central hubs like Dubai Waterfront. Here, everything is sorted, inspected and prepared for the next project, or stored and maintained for future needs. The result? An enormous storage area with diverse equipment, ready to be rapidly deployed.

Since 2007, Jan De Nul has had a central hub stationed at Dubai Waterfront to support projects, primarily in the Middle East, Africa, India and Bangladesh.

This support is twofold:

Across the globe, our fleet navigates the seas, our machinery shapes landscapes, and our skilled teams orchestrate remarkable projects. From making ports futureproof to constructing buildings and creating new land, they accomplish feats that shape our world. Yet, their success doesn’t happen in isolation. Behind every triumph lies meticulous preparation. Our network of hubs facilitates this, ensuring all project sites are equipped with precisely what they need. Dubai is home to our largest logistics and technical hub. High time to shine a spotlight on the pivotal role it has silently been playing in our projects for many years.