‘World’s first’ 3D-printed electric abra begins trial voyage in Dubai

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the trial operation of the world’s first electric abra manufactured using 3D printing technology.

The abra – a half-boat half-raft used to transfer people across the Dubai Creek in Dubai — can accommodate 20 passengers, and was designed and built to retain the traditional abra identity.

The initiative is said to contribute to supporting the government’s efforts to achieve the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, shortening the manufacturing time of abras by 90%, reducing manufacturing costs by 30%, and lowering operating and maintenance costs by 30%. In addition, the initiative is supporting the authority’s strategy for the environmental sustainability of marine transport.

The abra, which is eleven meters long and 3.1 meters wide, is powered by an electric propulsion system with two 10-kilowatt motors with lithium batteries. The abra will be operated at Sheikh Zayed Road Marine Transport Station on Line (TR6). During the trial run, the abra’s performance will be monitored and compared with the current 20-passenger abras made of fibreglass.

The abra was manufactured by Al Seer Marine Company in Abu Dhabi in cooperation with a number of international companies, namely including Mitsubishi, Siemens, Torqeedo, and Tasneef.

The RTA is currently implementing a project to develop heritage abra stations in Dubai Creek which are used by more than 14 million passengers annually. The project includes the development of four heritage abra stations.

In February 2023, the Authority completed the development of the Bur Dubai Marine Transport Station. Last February, the development of the Deira Old Souq Station was completed, while the development of the Dubai Old Souq and Al Sabkha stations will be finalized in August 2025.

The marine transport sector has witnessed continuous growth in the number of transportation means, stations and passengers since the launch of the Dubai Water Canal, which connects Dubai Creek to the coastal area.

This sector will be enhanced with the completion of the construction of urban and tourist facilities on both sides of the canal, as well as the construction of marine transport stations in the canal.

In November last year, Al Seer Marine and Abu Dhabi Maritime, both based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), unveiled the world’s first 3D-printed water taxi.

The companies also secured a Guinness World Records title for the largest 3D-printed boat.