Khawr Dubai, a narrow river, extends 3 miles E, from a point just N of the N breakwater protecting the main deep-water harbor, to a bridge.
Above the bridge, the channel spreads into several swampy lagoons. Mina Rashid, comprising the main cargo terminals, is the NE of the enclosed basins; Dubai Drydock Harbor is the SW of the two. Both are best seen on the appropriate chart.
Tides—Currents.—The tidal rise at springs is 1.2 to 1.8m, while the neap rise is 0.9 to 1.2m. Currents here are generally weak and tend to follow the channel, but cross-channel currents of up to 2 knots have been reported (2004).
Depths—Limitations.—Mina Rashid is formed by two large basins, separated by a broad mole which is quayed on both sides, and is protected by two breakwaters. The least charted depth on the range line through the entrance is 13m.
There are depths from 10 to 13m in the harbor, but a bank, with depths of 6 to 10m, extends SW from the NE end of the outer basin; a wreck, with a depth of 2.7m, lies in the E corner of the outer basin.
Vessels with drafts up to 12.8m can berth at the Container Terminal. Vessels with drafts up to 11.5m can berth at the general cargo berths. Vessels over 260m in length may berth at the harbormaster’s discretion. The normal required underkeel clearance is 0.5m.
The Petroleum Jetty, situated near the root of the main breakwater, can accommodate vessels up to 260m long, with a maximum draft of 11.3m. Vessels with a draft of 11.6m can use the jetty at HW with the permission of the harbormaster.
Dubayy Drydock Harbor was dredged to a depth of 11.5m.
An FPSO Conversion Quay, with a dredged alongside depth of 11m over a berthing length of 630m, is reported (2009) to have been constructed on the lee side of the main breakwater. A directional sector light leads through the entrance to this harbor.
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