Marine Transport Masterplan, Dubai Waterfront and Palm Jebel Ali

The Requirement

Nakheel had identified that marine transport can play a valuable role in the development’s transport mix and commissioned BMT, working with Cardno, to review the opportunities for a public marine transport system and identify how this can operate within the Master Plans already commissioned. 

What We Delivered

The study included:

• Review of the planning context and identification of marine transport opportunities;
• Development and testing of marine transport network and specification of vessel types and requirements;
• Siting and preliminary layout of piers/terminals;
• Identification of requirements for the delivery and operational management of marine transport system.

Outcome and Benefits

Sustainability – The ability to accommodate marine transport that can link tourist infrastructure directly along Dubai’s coast would lead to significant reductions in car and bus trips and provide point-to-point transport.

Innovation – The massing of the developments with a Waterfront City and Canal District provided the opportunity for a modern emulation of Venice’s dense ferry system. For marine transport this meant (i) High frequency and transparency on schedules, with direct routes serving CBD and commuter areas, and intermodal links, (ii)  High speed (relative to other modes), and (iii) High style and level of service.

Added Value – A fully integrated approach with the network, vessels and piers was provided to the client ensuring that the system capacity was well matched for all components.