Innovative Floating Dock Set to Transform Tenerife’s Maritime Landscape

The Hidramar Ultra 22000, a cutting-edge floating dock, is currently making its way from Shanghai to the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with an anticipated arrival in early 2026. This state-of-the-art facility promises to revolutionize the naval repair industry in the Canary Islands, marking a significant milestone for the region’s maritime capabilities.

Elevating Naval Repair Services in the Canary Islands

This remarkable floating dock, constructed by Huarun Dadong Dockyard (HRDD), boasts a formidable lifting capacity of 22,000 tonnes, which far exceeds the current capabilities available in the region. Its arrival is expected to dramatically enhance the naval repair services offered in the Canary Islands, positioning Tenerife as a competitive player in a global maritime market valued in the billions.

With the Hidramar Ultra 22000, the Canary Islands are poised to transition from a marginal role in maritime operations to a prominent competitor alongside major ports such as Malta, Dubai, and Rotterdam. This shift not only signifies a leap in technological advancement but also a strategic move towards establishing Tenerife as a key player in the maritime industry.

Economic Opportunities and Growth Potential

The implications of this floating dock extend beyond mere technical advancements; it represents a pivotal economic opportunity for Tenerife. The dock is expected to attract larger vessels, streamline repair processes, and create skilled job opportunities, thereby establishing the island as a vital hub within the blue economy—a sector recognized as strategic by the European Union.

Jonathan Pérez, President of Tenerife Shipyards, underscored the significance of this project during the dock’s naming ceremony in Shanghai. He stated that the Hidramar Ultra 22000 will bolster Tenerife’s ability to draw investment, enhancing industrial capabilities and paving the way for economic diversification on the island. This initiative is not just about improving infrastructure; it is about fostering a sustainable economic environment that can thrive in a competitive global market.

A Testament to Family Legacy and Innovation

The Hidramar Ultra 22000 also symbolizes a family legacy in the shipbuilding industry. Pérez expressed pride in sharing this milestone with his family, particularly his father, the founder of Hidramar. He noted that this achievement underscores the potential for exceptional naval engineering to emerge from the Canary Islands, showcasing the region’s ability to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing industry.

The journey of Hidramar began decades ago as a local industrial maintenance firm, evolving over the years to focus on complex, high-tech infrastructure. This transformation reflects not only the company’s growth but also the broader evolution of the maritime sector in the Canary Islands, highlighting the region’s commitment to embracing advanced technologies and methodologies.

Technological Advancements in the Floating Dock

The new floating dock is equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to meet the requirements of modern maritime operations. Key features include:

• A lifting capacity of 22,000 tonnes, accommodating large vessels and heavy structures with ease.
• An enhanced longitudinal stability system featuring redundancy in control and automated operations, which minimizes coupling times and enhances safety.
• An integrated service infrastructure that significantly reduces wait times from dock entry to the commencement of repairs, streamlining the entire process.

These technological advancements will not only improve operational efficiency but also allow for the servicing of more vessels, providing a competitive edge over other ports in the Atlantic. The ability to handle larger and more complex repairs will attract a wider range of clients, further solidifying Tenerife’s position in the maritime sector.

Anticipated Operations and Job Creation

The Hidramar Ultra 22000 is set to commence operations in early 2026, enabling Tenerife to cater to a global fleet in need of safe, efficient, and reliable repair services. The introduction of this dock is expected to strengthen the naval sector significantly, creating numerous job opportunities and diversifying the local economy. As the Canary Islands enhance their position in a highly competitive maritime industry, the potential for growth and development is immense.

With the dock’s advanced capabilities, Tenerife is not just preparing to meet current demands but is also positioning itself for future challenges and opportunities in the maritime world. The strategic investment in this floating dock signifies a commitment to long-term growth and sustainability in the region’s economy.

Key points

• The Hidramar Ultra 22000 is on its way from Shanghai to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, arriving in early 2026.
• This floating dock has a lifting capacity of 22,000 tonnes, significantly enhancing local naval repair capabilities.
• The project aims to position Tenerife as a competitor to major ports like Malta, Dubai, and Rotterdam.
• It is expected to attract larger vessels, reduce repair times, and generate skilled employment.
• The dock will support the blue economy, a strategic sector recognized by the EU.
• Jonathan Pérez emphasized the dock’s potential to attract investment and diversify the island’s economy.
• The dock features advanced technology for improved operational efficiency.