Dubai Shipbuilding & Engineering (DSBE) has been a cornerstone of Dubai’s maritime industry since its founding in 1996. Initially set up to manage the docking and repair of vessels for its parent company, Mubarak Marine, DSBE has grown into a leading name in ship repair and conversion services. Reflecting on the company’s remarkable journey, General Manager Chandrasekaran Balamurugan and Sales and Commercial Manager Junu John highlighted the milestones, challenges and vision driving DSBE forward.
Over nearly three decades, the company has honed its reputation for quality, cost-effectiveness and reliability, becoming the go-to partner for diverse maritime needs. Operating out of advanced facilities in Dubai Maritime City, DSBE now serves an extensive selection of clients, from regional players to international operators.
From its earliest days, DSBE has been synonymous with versatility and technical expertise. The company has undertaken projects ranging from anchor-handling tugs and offshore supply vessels to bespoke steel yachts and crane barges. “Our initial focus was on constructing vessels for local entities such as Mubarak Marine and public service organisations like Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and Dubai Coast Guard,” shared Mr Balamurugan.
This strategic alignment not only anchored DSBE in Dubai’s maritime ecosystem but also established its reputation for delivering
robust, tailormade solutions. These foundational projects played a pivotal role in shaping DSBE’s capabilities, allowing the company to seamlessly transition into more complex ventures, including modular fabrication for offshore platforms and intricate ship conversions.
Overcoming challenges
The journey of any industry leader is seldom without hurdles, and DSBE’s story is no exception. Under the visionary leadership of its founder, Obaid Mubarak, and subsequently its Chairman, Juma Mubarak, DSBE navigated industry downturns and global disruptions. The maritime market slump in 2018 and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic tested the company’s resilience. However, DSBE responded with a strategic restructuring programme in 2022, laying the groundwork for a robust recovery and future growth.
DUBAI SHIPBUILDING & ENGINEERING (DSBE) I PROFILE
“Restructuring allowed us to realign our priorities and broaden our scope of services.”
General Manager
Chandrasekaran Balamurugan
“Restructuring allowed us to realign our priorities and broaden our scope of services,” explained Mr Balamurugan. By focusing on ship repair and module fabrication, DSBE not only enhanced its operational efficiency but also diversified its client portfolio.
Over the past two years, this strategy has paid off, with new clients joining its growing roster and a substantial increase in its workforce – from around 130 employees in 2022 to over 260 by 2024, with further growth planned. The company’s turnover has also seen a remarkable threefold increase in the past three years, underscoring the effectiveness of its transformation. Plans are underway to expand the team to 350 shipyard staff and an additional 50 office employees by mid-2025, ensuring the company remains agile and responsive to client needs.
Cutting-edge facilities
At the heart of DSBE’s success lies its state-of-the-art infrastructure. Spanning 16,000 square metres, the shipyard includes a strategically-located private jetty measuring 150 x 40 metres. This jetty offers DSBE a distinct commercial edge, enabling seamless handling of both floating ship repairs and heavy fabrication projects.
“Having direct access to a jetty just metres from our boundary is a significant advantage,” said Mr Balamurugan. This unique setup has enabled DSBE to execute complex projects, such as the fabrication of 250- and 325-ton steel modules for offshore platforms.
One of the company’s most impressive feats to date was the fabrication and delivery of a 186-ton helideck, transported
DUBAI
using its own barge, tugs, and floating crane – an achievement that underscores its engineering and logistical prowess.
Diversification and growth
DSBE’s expertise extends beyond ship repair and conversion. The company has emerged as a trusted subcontractor for block and module fabrication in major oil and gas projects, further cementing its status as a key player in the region’s industrial landscape. A recent contract from a Norwegian oil company marks DSBE’s entry into international markets, highlighting its growing reputation for reliability and technical proficiency.
Looking ahead, DSBE plans to expand its operations to the UAE’s major commercial ports and broaden its service offerings. Floating repairs and expert riding teams delivering specialised services for vessels at anchorage are just some of the initiatives in the pipeline.
“We are investing heavily in building a robustteam of mechanical, hydraulic and instrumentation technicians,” noted Mr John. “This ensures we are equipped to meet the demands of modern vessels, establishing DSBE as the preferred cont-
ractor for ship services in the region.”
DSBE’s success is deeply rooted in its unwavering commitment to quality, safety and timely delivery. By fostering strong relationships with suppliers and clients, the company has created a seam-less ecosystem that ensures consistent performance. The lead-ership team believes that innovation and continuous improvement are key to staying ahead in the competitive maritime industry.
“Our reputation is built on reliability and excellence,” affirmed Mr John. “As the industry evolves, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards while adapting to emerging challenges and opportunities.”
As DSBE approaches its 30th anniversary, the company remains steadfast in its vision to lead Dubai’s maritime industry into the future. Its strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development and service diversification position it well to meet the evolving needs of the global maritime sector.
From humble beginnings as a shipbuilding enterprise for local stakeholders to its current status as a regional leader in ship repair and module fabrication, DSBE exemplifies the resilience and innovation that define Dubai’s maritime sector. With its eyes set on new horizons, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of marine engineering and ship services in the region. n
“As the industry evolves, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards while adapting to emerging challenges and opportunities.”
