Drydocks World takes home two accolades at Oceanus Awards 2026
It was lauded for the Electrification and Clean Energy Transition Project and Grit Recycling and Circularity Programme.
Drydocks World (DDW) earned the Carbon Reduction Initiative of the Year - United Arab Emirates and Circular Economy Initiative of the Year - United Arab Emirates accolades at the Oceanus Awards 2026, which highlight its efforts in attaining a cleaner maritime future and in transforming traditional ship hull treatment operations.
Carbon reduction
DDW’s Electrification and Clean Energy Transition Project focuses on replacing diesel-based operations with renewable electricity, modernising infrastructure, and introducing energy-efficient technologies—actions that significantly reduce carbon emissions.
DDW is one of the largest ship repair, conversion, and offshore fabrication facilities in the Middle East. It recognises its responsibility to support the country’s climate goals. The company’s initiative supports the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and aligns with the organisation’s plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2040.
The decarbonisation journey began in 2020, aiming to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions through electrification, renewable energy use, and improved operational efficiency. One of the key achievements of the project is the electrification of yard operations, with the diesel-powered equipment replaced with electric alternatives. Through this shift, 237 vessels received 4.52 million kWh of green electricity whilst berthed at the yard in 2024, resulting in a reduction of approximately 2.3 thousand tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Supporting this are two new 132kV electrical substations, which include twelve static frequency converters that allow ships to connect directly to shore power.
The company has also fabricated and installed four offshore wind energy platforms to support international wind farms. Once operational, these platforms are expected to generate enough clean electricity to power more than four million homes every year.
Sustainability efforts also extend to waste management and energy monitoring, with more than 90% of total waste generated at the yard now recycled or reused.
These actions prompted a 34.46% drop in diesel consumption between 2024 and 2025; environmental compliance remained above 92% for seven consecutive years; and enhanced air quality and safety for more than 6,000 employees working at the facility.
DDW plans to expand its sustainability initiatives through biofuel pilot testing, carbon capture feasibility studies, and green building upgrades aimed at LEED certification.
Grit Recycling & Circularity Programme
To reduce waste and lower material consumption, DDW’s Grit Recycling & Circularity Programme combines advanced hydroblasting technology, closed-loop grit recycling, and renewable-energy-powered systems.
As hull surface preparation uses traditional abrasive blasting methods that rely on grit and generate large amounts of solid waste, DDW has aimed to improve this with its new hydroblasting technologies that use high-pressure water jets to clean ship surfaces.
DDW successfully recycled 102,795 tons of grit and achieved a 100% zero-landfill rate in 2024. The adoption of hydroblasting robots and advanced water-jet systems increased hydroblasting operations by 45%, helping reduce grit usage by 29,080 tons.
Despite expanding operations, the shipyard still reduced new grit consumption by 10,305 tons. In addition, 2,500 tons of grit were reused through the facility’s in-house recycling machines.
Furthermore, DDW operates robotic hydroblasting systems, a closed-loop grit recycling line, and an automated shot-blasting and priming system with a six-ton hopper and eight high-efficiency turbines.
Aside from these projects, DDW is exploring implementing a closed-loop wastewater reuse system that would allow treated water to be reused for hydroblasting and facility cleaning.
The Oceanus Awards celebrates key players across Asia’s marine, maritime, offshore, and industrial sectors. The awards programme spotlights the advancements in shipping, energy, marine technology, and infrastructure that shape the future of Asia’s maritime and industrial landscape.
The Oceanus Awards is presented by the Marine & Industrial Report. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme, you may contact Julie Anne Nuñez-Difuntorum at +65 3158 1386 or [email protected].
