The Safina project is a unique 'hydrolift' system for the launching and recovery of ships. Its principle use will be to increase the shipbuilding capability for Dubai Drydocks, one of the world's leading ship repair yards.
The new launching system will provide a novel and cost-effective way to move ships from a fabrication facility at ground level to sea level, without the need for slipways or shiplifts.

The main use for the facility will be to safely transfer large sections of hull from land to sea, and then into drydock for final assembly. Firstly the hull sections will be transferred from the fabrication area via a railed system onto a platform within a walled basin. A gate will be placed across the transfer way and the basin pumped full of water causing the hull section to float. The hull section is then manoeuvred to a deeper part of the basin from where it can be “taken to sea” after lowering of the water level and opening of the main seaward gate.

The project involves the construction of diaphragm quay walls, impounding walls, a concrete transfer platform, massive entrance abutments and two gates, including a floating steel caisson weighing in excess of 1,400 tonnes.

The hydrolift system will enable the launching of sections of hull up to 120m x 60m. As an added benefit, the transfer process can also be used in reverse with ships being recovered onto the platform for general repairs.

We have carried out the detailed design of the facility and are now supervising its construction which is due for completion in 2006.

Stuart White
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E Stuart White