International reference codes used to design marina layouts in the UAE do not correctly account for particulars of vessels in the Gulf, a new study has found, opening the door for more marina optimization.
The study, which analyzed 40 marinas categorized into three types, found that the length and beam of vessels registered and used in the region should be taken into account when designing marine infrastructure.
The impetus for the study was spurred by noted inefficiencies in berth sizes and the lack of region-specific references for adopters to use.
Using a data set of 6,000 individual vessel measurements, the study has observed that this conclusion applies to motorboats under 15 meters in length, which account for 80% of vessels in the area.
While other types of craft, including superyachts and sailboats, only make up less than 13% of the fleet, the beam of the vessels in the dataset was found to be narrower than the reference material’s recommended beam.
The study, with overall objectives of cost-saving, sustainability-focused, and optimization of marina space efficiently, was authored by civil engineer Maurice Kerr and Port and Coastal Engineer Eldre Thesnaar.