App opens horizon to dhow operators
Dhowber platform to boost competitiveness by applying new tools to organise maritime cargo operations
The Port, Customs & Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) yesterday announced that it has launched its ‘Dhowber’ platform.
The Dhowber app is a marketplace that brings together boat captains (nukdahs) and traders, who are looking to ship their cargo to nearby ports. Nukdahs can define the dhow route, display the boat capacity and connect with traders. Dhowber allows both nukdahs and traders to register, search, and enquire availability and book cargo shipments, all from one user-friendly, easy-to-use mobile app. Payments are also handled via the app so that nukdahs can receive payments immediately. Additionally, there is a two-sided rating system, which allows both traders and nukdahs to rate each other. And finally, the traders can track their cargo from departure to arrival.
Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, Chairman of PCFC, said that the new project will boost Dubai’s dhow trade competitiveness by applying new tools to organise cargo transport. Dhowber is a smart platform that will help in cargo activity reservation for traditional dhows on the Dubai creek, he said, adding that the platform will rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a dynamic pricing engine based on demand, as well as auxiliary services such as insurance of goods.
About 1,500 dhows make 13,000 trips annually, transporting around 2.2 million tonnes of cargo with a value of Dh22 million. The platform is scalable and can be replicated across the globe, especially in countries that have larger inland waterways, rivers, and harbours, to transport cargo from one port to another.
“We looked at the trade data and conducted market research at Dubai Creek, and saw a huge opportunity — not just in Dubai — but at small ports across the world,” Bin Sulayem said. “Boats arrive empty in Dubai and spend anywhere from one to several weeks in search cargo, and yet, the boats depart with only less than 60 per cent of their cargo capacity filled. Moreover, boats are only paid after confirmation of the delivery, which can take a week or a month after delivering the goods to the importer.”
Dh22m current volume of dhow cargo trade from Dubai
Reduced turnaround time
Dhowber is expected to increase cargo utilisation by 33 per cent, in addition to reducing turnaround time, by matching traders and nukdahs who would have normally not worked with each other.
The Dhowber app is overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and it is part of the Dubai 10X Initiative, which seeks to place Dubai Government entities 10 years ahead of the rest of the world in all sectors.