Dubai Customs has launched a new disruptive berthing service for the vessels using the Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai).

The launch was held in the presence of Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group chairman and CEO and chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation; and Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, director general of Dubai Customs, said a statement.

The new system (Smart Vessel Berthing System) will help vessels load and unload their goods with the help of an advanced AI based service. It was built in-house by Dubai Customs employees to facilitate traffic of vessels through the historic waterway, it said.

The system will enable trading vessels being able to finalise their transactions online. They can register at the operations room of Dubai Creek Customs Center which will direct the vessels to the waiting quays using the Smart Vessel Berthing System.

The vessels are then directed to certain wharfs to load or unload their goods. Dubai Creek Port deals with around 50 other ports in nine countries.

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the new service is a turning point for hundreds of vessels using the waterway.

He added: “Khor Dubai is an integral part of the emirate’s trade structure and has always been vital in connecting Dubai with the region and the world. Trade through the Dubai Creek supports foreign trade of Dubai and the UAE and plays an important role in diversifying the national economy in fulfilment of the vision of our wise leadership.”

On his part, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: “The creek is a very important port in Dubai. It is still shaping the soul of Dubai, now running freely keeping alive its vibrant heartbeat and linking the sea back to the sea.”

He added: “Diversification in trade is essential for Dubai to keep the momentum within its quest to be the world’s economy capital and towards fulfilment of big projects such as the Dubai Silk Road, one of the main items of the 50-Year Charter launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

Dubai external trade through the Dubai Creek during the last 10 years (2009-2018) made more than Dh122 billion ($33.21 billion), and cargo weighed 10.564 million tonnes of different goods including textiles, mobile phones, air conditioners, electrical appliances, etc.