Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority( RTA) has first electric abra manufactured using 3D printing technology, The abra, which can carry 20 passengers, was designed and erected to retain the traditional abra identity. This action supports the government’s sweats to achieve Dubai’s 3D printing strategy.
It aims to reduce abra manufacturing time by 90 percent, rent manufacturing costs by 30 percent, and cut operation and conservation charges by 30 percent. also, it supports RTA’s environmental sustainability strategy for maritime transport,. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and president of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated
“ The trial operation of the electric abra manufactured using 3D printing technology, along with the enhancement of traditional abra stations design, is part of RTA’s master plan to enhance the marine transport services, vital mobility means in Dubai, ” adding important value to the maritime transport sector.
“ The recently manufactured abra features multitudinous specialized attributes, including the longest monocoque structure created using 3D printing technology, measuring 11 metres in length and3.1 metres in range. It has an electric propulsion system powered by two 10- kilowatt motors and lithium batteries. During this operation phase, the performance of the abra will be covered and compared with the current 20- passenger fibreglass abras, ” explained Al Tayer.
The abra was manufactured by Al Seer Marine Company in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with several global companies, including Mitsubishi of Japan, which handed the accoutrements used in the manufacturing and printing of the abra, Siemens of Germany, which supervised the programming and estimation of the printer, and Torqeedo of Germany, which supplied the electric motors.
RTA is presently working on a design to upgrade the traditional abra stations in Dubai Creek. The design aims to ameliorate marine transport services, enhance safety and security norms, meet the Dubai Universal Design Code conditions for People of Determination, and enhance the overall appearance of the traditional abra stations.
The design includes the enhancement of four traditional abra stations. In February 2023, RTA completed the enhancement of Bur Dubai Marine Transport Station, and last February, it completed the elevation of Deira Old Souq Station. The enhancement of the Dubai Old Souq Station and Al Sabkha Station will be completed by August 2025. The enhancement workshop of marine transport stations included replacing all floating jetties with new bones to insure passenger safety in addition to furnishing retail spaces for better client services, installations for workers and drivers, and bike racks to enhance transport integration.
The compass of the design also includes adding and perfecting passenger staying areas, with precedence seating and devoted spaces for People of Determination, widening the docking spaces by 15 percent, shadowed staying areas by 100 percent, and marketable spaces by 27 percent, while adding compliance with the Dubai Code by 87 percent. Sustainable, low- cost accoutrements will be used, reducing periodic conservation costs by 10 percent. The marine transport sector has seen an upward growth line in the number of transport means, stations, and passengers since the completion of the Dubai Water Canal, which connects Dubai Creek to the littoral area.
This sector will be further enhanced with the completion of civic and sightseer installations along the conduit, as well as the construction of marine transport stations, making marine transport the favored choice for numerous citizens, residers, and excursionists to navigate and enjoy the scenic views of Dubai Creek, the Dubai Water Canal, and Dubai strands.