Stone Beam Demolition

Underwater Demolition Dubai | Stone Beam


الهدم في البحر وتحت الماء: Underwater Demolition Dubai for Marine Concrete Structures

Introduction: Why Underwater Demolition Matters in Dubai & the UAE

Dubai and the wider UAE have one of the most intensive coastlines for engineered marine developments in the world: artificial islands, cruise terminals, marinas, offshore pipelines, water-theme projects and industrial jetties. Projects like peninsulas, breakwaters, marinas and island developments often go through upgrades, redesign or full decommissioning. plc-contracting.com+1

Whenever a quay wall, jetty, bridge pier, intake structure or seabed foundation needs to be removed or modified, underwater demolition becomes critical. It is more complex than land demolition: you have limited visibility, live tides and currents, tight environmental constraints and strict approvals from Dubai Municipality (DM), Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), Trakhees and other regulators. Dubai Municipality+3Dubai Municipality+3Dubai Municipality+3

This article explains in depth how Stone Beam Demolition approaches underwater demolition in Dubai and the UAE – safely, efficiently and in full compliance with local authority requirements. It is written for:

  • Developers and master planners with marine and island assets
  • Consultants who need engineered method statements and HSE plans
  • Contractors looking for a demolition specialist for marine scopes
  • Asset owners (ports, oil & gas, industrial) planning decommissioning works

You’ll find:

  • Clear explanations of methods and technologies used under water
  • The regulatory framework and approvals you must plan for
  • Step-by-step methodology from feasibility to final bathymetric survey
  • How Stone Beam integrates robots, hydrodemolition, diamond cutting, GPR scanning and marine partners to control risk and cost

1. What Is Underwater Demolition & Marine Concrete Removal?

1.1 Definition

Underwater demolition is the controlled removal, cutting, breaking or weakening of structural elements that are fully or partially submerged in water – sea, lagoon, canal, harbor or reservoir.

In Dubai and the UAE, this typically covers:

  • Reinforced concrete and steel piles
  • Bridge piers and marine columns
  • Caissons, dolphins and mooring structures
  • Quay walls and sheet piles
  • Breakwaters, revetments and armor units
  • Submerged foundations of old jetties and platforms
  • Underwater parts of intake / outfall structures and culverts

Many of these elements are linked to iconic projects: marinas, islands, waterfront mixed-use developments and industrial terminals. A typical scope combines:

  • Topside demolition above water (slabs, beams, deck)
  • Intertidal demolition (zone affected by tides/splash)
  • Fully submerged demolition (divers / robotic / ROV work)

1.2 How Underwater Demolition Differs from Land Demolition

Underwater demolition is not just “normal demolition but wet.” Key differences:

  • Limited visibility – divers may work in near-zero visibility; you rely on tactile work, sonar, cameras. Judux+2tmds.ae+2
  • Hydrostatic pressure & buoyancy – as you remove concrete, uplift forces and water pressure change the behavior of the structure.
  • Currents & waves – lateral loads on plant, lifting operations and access pontoons.
  • Environmental constraints – strict limits on turbidity, silt plumes, noise and vibration to protect marine life and neighboring assets. Dubai Municipality
  • Access limitations – most equipment must mobilise from barges, jack-up platforms, work boats or temporary causeways.
  • Diving safety – decompression profiles, underwater cutting hazards, emergency procedures etc., governed by international and UAE marine HSE standards. hhadiving.com

Because of this, an underwater demolition package in Dubai is usually a hybrid engineering problem, combining:

  • Structural engineering
  • Marine construction and commercial diving
  • Environmental and HSE planning
  • Precision demolition, cutting and lifting

Stone Beam Demolition designs its marine/underwater solutions with that multi-disciplinary perspective from day one.


2. Typical Underwater Demolition Scenarios in Dubai & UAE

2.1 Island & Peninsula Redevelopment

Dubai’s coastal masterplans evolve: new peninsulas, rebranded beaches, upgraded marinas and reconfigured island shorelines. On such projects, underwater demolition may involve: plc-contracting.com

  • Removal of old breakwaters and construction of new revetments
  • Demolition of temporary jetties used for construction
  • Adjusting quay walls to match new marina geometry
  • Removal of underwater foundations of structures that are no longer needed

2.2 Port & Industrial Facilities

For ports, terminals and industrial marine facilities, underwater demolition supports:

  • Replacement of deteriorated berths and fenders
  • Removal of old loading arms, dolphins and pier foundations
  • Decommissioning of intake / outfall structures
  • Relocation of subsea utilities crossing channels

Offshore and nearshore industry references show how typical tasks include underwater demolition of piles, sheet piles and subsea structures in conjunction with lifting and explosive removal for some offshore scopes. Atlas Copco+2mydivetech.com+2

2.3 Bridges & Road Crossings Over Water

Demolition of bridge decks over canals or creeks is relatively common. Fully removing or partial cutting of piers and piles under water is more complex:

  • Pile cutting at a specified level below seabed or channel bed
  • Demolition of underwater pile caps, tie beams or crash walls
  • Managing traffic safety and marine navigation during works

2.4 Theme Parks, Water Parks & Coastal Leisure Projects

Marine demolition can also be part of:

  • Floating boardwalk or platform removal
  • Underwater foundations of wave generators, ride supports or show structures
  • Replacement of seawater pools and artificial lagoons

2.5 Emergency and Corrective Works

Occasionally, underwater demolition is needed urgently:

  • Impact damage from vessels
  • Scour or washout undermining structures
  • Defective concrete requiring hydrodemolition repair rather than full replacement aquajetsme.com+1

Stone Beam Demolition plans both scheduled and emergency underwater works with clear method statements, marine traffic coordination and contingency options.


3. Regulatory & Permitting Framework for Marine Demolition in Dubai

Before any underwater demolition starts in Dubai, you must secure permits from several authorities. The exact combination depends on project location and jurisdiction.

3.1 Dubai Municipality (DM)

Dubai Municipality issues key technical guidelines and safety codes covering demolition, marine works and construction safety overall. Dubai Municipality+2Dubai Municipality+2

Typical DM requirements include:

  • Approved demolition contractor license category
  • Construction Safety Code compliance (scaffolding, lifting, equipment, work at height, etc.) Dubai Municipality
  • Method statement and risk assessment submissions
  • Waste segregation and disposal in line with circulars on construction and demolition waste. Dubai Municipality

In some zones (e.g., Dubai Development Authority/Tecom areas), demolition permits are processed via DDA but still align to DM technical standards. Dubai Development Authority+1

3.2 Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) / Dubai Maritime

For any works near shore or offshore within Dubai’s maritime jurisdiction, DMCA requires a coastal or marine project permit, including demolition and removal of marine structures. Dubai Maritime Authority

Typical DMCA documentation:

  • Application letter with full scope, drawings and coordinates
  • Marine traffic management plan and navigational risk assessment
  • Environmental protection plan (silt control, spill response, noise/vibration limits)
  • Proof that the demolition contractor and diving contractor are properly licensed

3.3 Trakhees, Ports & Free Zones

In some areas (e.g., JAFZA, Nakheel, DP World, Port Rashid, etc.), Trakhees or the port authority may issue additional guidelines for marine construction and demolition. These often require:

  • Approval of diving contractor
  • Hot work and underwater cutting permits
  • Coordination with port control and emergency services

3.4 Environmental and Survey Authorities

Depending on the location, you may need:

  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or focused marine impact report
  • Bathymetric and hydrographic data from DM’s Marine Information System (MIS) for design and verification Dubai Municipality
  • Turbidity and water quality monitoring plans

3.5 How Stone Beam Handles Permits & Compliance

Stone Beam Demolition is structured to integrate regulatory steps into its planning:

  1. Early feasibility study identifies which authorities are involved.
  2. A combined engineering + HSE team develops permit-ready method statements, risk assessments and waste management plans aligned with DM codes. Stone Beam.ae+1
  3. Stone Beam coordinates with the client’s consultant to answer regulator comments quickly, avoiding project delays.

4. Technical Challenges of Demolition in Sea & Island Projects

4.1 Tides, Currents & Waves

In the Arabian Gulf, tides are moderate but sufficient to:

  • Change water level by more than 2 m between low and high tide in some locations
  • Create tricky access windows for intertidal work
  • Influence the stability and mooring of barges and pontoons

For an underwater demolition plan, Stone Beam:

  • Defines tidal working windows for critical tasks
  • Chooses jack-up barges where a fixed platform is necessary
  • Designs temporary works (e.g., braces, collars, cofferdams) to resist tide and wave loads

4.2 Structural Stability & Buoyancy

Under water, concrete and steel elements are partially buoyant. When you remove sections of piles or caissons:

  • Load paths change – forces redistribute to remaining elements
  • Uplift forces may cause unexpected movement
  • Hybrid structures (part land, part marine) can behave non-linearly

Stone Beam’s engineers model phased demolition to ensure that:

  • At every step, the structure has secure support and load path
  • Temporary supports, bracing or strand jacks are installed before critical cuts
  • Lifting plans consider submerged weight, added mass and hydrodynamic effects

4.3 Limited Visibility & Diver Safety

Many Dubai coastal locations have low visibility, especially near berths, dredged channels and industrial outfalls. Specialist diving companies in the UAE highlight how critical planning, communication and redundancy are for this type of work. tmds.ae+2mydivetech.com+2

Stone Beam’s approach:

  • Use combined topside and underwater surveys: GPR and scanning above water, sonar and ROV below water where needed.
  • Simplify underwater tasks so divers have clear, repetitive operations guided by precise templates or jigs.
  • Reliance on video, sonar and positioning systems to verify cut positions rather than only diver vision.

4.4 Environmental Sensitivities

Marine demolition can release:

  • Concrete fines and turbidity
  • Rust and scale from old reinforcement
  • Potential contaminants if structures are near fuel or chemical installations

Dubai’s emphasis on sustainable coastal development means you must limit and control these impacts. Atlas Copco+1

Stone Beam incorporates:

  • Silt curtains and turbidity barriers
  • Soft-start approaches for noisy operations
  • Segregation of potentially contaminated materials for specialist treatment

4.5 Access, Plant & Logistics

You can’t simply drive a 70-ton excavator into the sea. Underwater demolition logistics may require:

  • Work from marine plant – barges, jack-up platforms, work boats
  • Temporary rock causeways / sand bunds
  • Floating cranes and barge-mounted excavators
  • Dedicated quay or laydown area on shore

Stone Beam works with marine logistics partners to optimize access strategies so the demolition program is realistic and cost-effective.


5. Main Methods & Technologies for Underwater Demolition

Underwater demolition uses a toolbox of techniques. The optimal combination depends on structural type, depth, access and environmental constraints. Stone Beam’s philosophy, as also seen in modern demolition method selection practices, is to choose methods based on engineering, environment and economics – not just tradition. SB Demolition+1

5.1 Diver-Operated Hydraulic & Pneumatic Breakers

Hydraulic and pneumatic breakers are widely used to demolish:

  • Pier caps and concrete pile heads in the splash zone
  • Localized areas of quay wall or apron slab
  • Damaged areas of revetments and armor concrete

Specialized demolition contractors in the UAE note that these breakers can be highly effective in underwater applications when properly configured. alsarhtechnicalservices.com+1

Advantages

  • Relatively simple technology
  • Good for localised removal and shape adjustments
  • Can be combined with topside excavators in shallow water

Limitations

  • Can produce vibration and noise affecting nearby structures
  • Slower than cutting when large sections must be removed
  • Requires very careful diver positioning and safety

5.2 Underwater Diamond Wire Sawing

For precise, low-vibration cuts to concrete and steel piles, diamond wire sawing is a key technique. Marine contractors in the region use it to cut piles and sheet piles below seabed level or at a defined depth. mydivetech.com+1

Typical use cases:

  • Cutting RC piles supporting a bridge or jetty
  • Sectioning caissons into liftable blocks
  • Cutting sheet piles at a specified elevation

Advantages

  • Very low vibration – critical near sensitive structures
  • Clean, predictable cuts
  • Works on concrete plus steel reinforcement

Considerations

  • Requires enough clearance to install wire around element
  • Needs stable power supply and safe handling systems
  • Precise survey and positioning are essential

5.3 Hydrodemolition (High-Pressure Water Jetting)

Hydrodemolition uses ultra-high-pressure water to remove concrete without damaging the reinforcement. UAE-based hydrodemolition providers highlight its strengths for selective removal and bridge or quay repair. aquajetsme.com+1

For underwater and marine applications, hydrodemolition is suited to:

  • Removing damaged concrete cover while retaining rebar
  • Selective removal where structural core must remain
  • Intertidal or shallow underwater zones with specialized tooling

Benefits

  • No microcracking in remaining concrete
  • Minimal vibration – good near sensitive structures
  • Easy to expose and clean rebar for repair

5.4 Underwater Burning & Broco Cutting

For steel structures – sheet piles, tubular piles, bracings, old dolphins – underwater burning (Broco, exothermic cutting, oxy-arc) is widely used. Commercial diving and marine maintenance companies in the region list underwater cutting and demolition as key services. Atlas Copco+3RONS Enviro Care LLC+3mydivetech.com+3

Applications

  • Cutting steel piles at seabed or below
  • Removing old fenders, ladders, brackets
  • Segmenting steel decks or trusses

Risks & Controls

  • Requires strict hot-work permits and gas monitoring
  • Intense light and heat under water – PPE and training are critical
  • Careful control to avoid damage to retained structures

5.5 Explosive Underwater Demolition (Special Cases)

In offshore oil & gas and some large subsea removals, controlled explosive charges are used to cut thick piles and jackets. Equipment rental and offshore support providers note “explosive removal and underwater demolition” as specific use cases. Atlas Copco

However, in near-shore Dubai environments, this method is usually restricted or avoided due to:

  • Proximity to urban areas and sensitive structures
  • Environmental and marine life protection
  • Regulatory complexity

Stone Beam focuses on non-explosive methods for Dubai coastal projects, reserving explosive concepts only for very special regional offshore scopes and always through specialized partners.

5.6 Robots, ROVs & Remote Technologies

Land demolition in Dubai is already embracing remote-controlled robots for breaking in constrained or hazardous zones. arasarinternational.ae+1

For marine and underwater demolition, Stone Beam extends this logic:

  • Use of track-mounted demolition robots on jetties, bridge decks and causeways to reduce risk to operatives.
  • Integrating ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) and sonar for inspection, survey and, in some cases, small-scale cutting or tool handling.
  • Combining real-time data (cameras, sonar, load cells) with engineering models for better decision-making.

5.7 Supporting Services: Inspection, Survey & Scanning

Successful underwater demolition relies on accurate information:

  • Underwater inspection and condition assessments by commercial divers and ROVs Divetech+3tmds.ae+3Judux+3
  • Bathymetric surveys and hydrographic data (MIS, multi-beam sonar) Dubai Municipality
  • GPR scanning and concrete scanning above water to find rebar, PT cables, ducts and embedded services
  • 3D laser scanning and BIM models of topside structures

Stone Beam is already strong in GPR scanning, concrete scanning and structural diagnostics on land; for marine work, this expertise is extended with specialist survey partners.


6. Stone Beam’s Step-by-Step Methodology for Underwater Demolition

Stone Beam Demolition uses an engineered workflow that aligns with Dubai Municipality expectations for methodical, risk-controlled demolition. Stone Beam.ae+1

Step 1 – Initial Assessment & Feasibility

  • Collect available drawings, design reports and as-builts.
  • Review operation constraints: navigation, access, nearby assets, tide ranges.
  • Identify regulatory touchpoints: DM, DMCA, Trakhees, port authorities.

Deliverable: a feasibility note outlining likely demolition concepts, risks and budget bands.

Step 2 – Site Investigation & Survey

  • Topside survey: visual inspection, GPR scanning, laser scanning of decks and superstructure.
  • Underwater survey: diver/ROV inspection, video, dimension checks, NDT on concrete and steel. tmds.ae+1
  • Hydrographic data: water depths, seabed profile, currents and tidal records (from MIS or project survey). Dubai Municipality

Deliverable: a condition and geometry report that becomes the backbone of the demolition plan.

Step 3 – Engineering & Demolition Scheme Selection

Using insights from modern demolition method selection practices in Dubai, Stone Beam compares several options against: SB Demolition+1

  • Structural safety
  • Environmental footprint
  • Schedule impact and access requirements
  • Cost and risk

Example options:

  • Option A: Cut piles with diamond wire + segmented lifting of deck
  • Option B: Hydrodemolition for repair instead of full removal
  • Option C: Combined topside robotic breaking + underwater burning

Deliverable: Demolition Concept Report with selected method and back-up options.

Step 4 – Permits, NOCs & HSE Planning

Deliverable: permit-ready documents and authority submissions.

Step 5 – Mobilisation & Temporary Works

  • Mobilise marine plant (barges, jack-ups, work boats) and shore support area.
  • Install temporary access (platforms, causeways, scaffolding, ladders).
  • Set up monitoring where needed – settlement points, vibration sensors, inclinometers – especially near critical assets like sea walls or tunnels.

Step 6 – Topside & Intertidal Demolition

  • Remove or weaken superstructure: slabs, beams, parapets, fenders.
  • Use remote-controlled robots and excavators to reduce manual risk. arasarinternational.ae+1
  • Prepare clean working front for diver activities – removing protrusions and obstructions.

Step 7 – Underwater Cutting, Breaking & Removal

  • Divers or ROVs execute cutting and breaking sequences as per method statement:
    • Install guides and templates on piles
    • Perform diamond wire cuts or broco burning
    • Use hydraulic breakers to free stubborn areas
  • Each cut section is then rigged and lifted under the supervision of marine lifting specialists.

Key controls:

  • Strict tool time logs for divers
  • Real-time communication with topside crane and site engineer
  • On-the-spot adjustments based on recorded loads and structural response

Step 8 – Waste Handling, Segregation & Recycling

Post-cut, sections are brought to shore for:

  • Segregation of concrete, steel and other materials
  • Recycling of concrete (crushed as aggregate) and steel (scrap yards)
  • Special handling of any contaminated materials (e.g., old fuel-soaked concrete)

This aligns with Dubai’s increasing emphasis on demolition waste sorting and recycling. Dubai Municipality

Step 9 – Final Survey, QA/QC & Handover

  • Conduct bathymetric survey to confirm removal of structures and debris. Dubai Municipality
  • Provide as-built removal drawings and demolition records.
  • Close-out with authority inspections and final sign-offs.

7. Stone Beam Case-Style Scenarios for Marine & Underwater Demolition

Below are simplified scenarios (illustrative, not naming specific clients) showing how Stone Beam would handle marine demolition in Dubai/UAE.

Scenario 1: Partial Demolition of Island Quay Wall

Context

A leisure island in Dubai needs to remove 60 m of existing quay wall to widen a marina entrance. Part of the wall and its piles are underwater; nearby berths must stay open.

Stone Beam approach

  1. Detailed survey of quay wall, piles and seabed profile.
  2. Engineering model to understand wall stability during staged removal.
  3. Choice of diamond wire sawing for piles and segments to limit vibration. mydivetech.com+1
  4. Deployment of a jack-up barge with integrated crane and wire-saw equipment.
  5. Cutting the wall into modular blocks lifted to barge, then to shore for crushing and recycling.
  6. Use of silt curtains across the marina entrance during works.

Benefits

  • Minimal disturbance to live marina operations
  • Predictable cuts and stable residual structures
  • Clean, verifiable as-built removal for authority handover

Scenario 2: Decommissioning of a Temporary Construction Jetty

Context

A temporary jetty built for a previous construction phase must be fully removed down to seabed level, including piles and cross-bracings.

Stone Beam approach

  1. Joint Stone Beam–marine diving team performs inspection to confirm pile locations and condition. tmds.ae+1
  2. Produce combined cutting and lifting plan: topside deck cut into panels, piles cut with broco burning at seabed. RONS Enviro Care LLC+1
  3. Use remote-controlled demolition robots on deck to reduce manual breaking. arasarinternational.ae+1
  4. Implement debris control checklist: no reinforced concrete or steel left on seabed, verified by diver and sonar sweep.

Benefits

  • Fast demobilisation of temporary jetty
  • Port and environmental authorities reassured by documented surveys
  • Clean seabed ready for future dredging or development

Scenario 3: Repair-Focused Underwater Hydrodemolition

Context

A quay wall has localized concrete deterioration at tidal level. The client wants to repair, not demolish, the whole wall.

Stone Beam approach

  1. Condition assessment and structural check to confirm repair viability.
  2. Selection of hydrodemolition to remove damaged cover while preserving main reinforcement. aquajetsme.com+1
  3. Temporary works and access platforms installed at tidal level.
  4. Under strict water quality monitoring, hydrodemolition is executed and debris captured in nets and filters.

Benefits

  • Structure’s design capacity restored without full replacement
  • Reduced environmental impact compared to heavy breaking
  • Shorter closure period for adjacent berths

8. Safety & Environmental Protection in Underwater Demolition

8.1 Diving & Marine Crew Safety

Reputable commercial diving providers in the UAE emphasize highly controlled procedures for underwater operations – and underwater demolition is among the highest-risk activities they handle. hhadiving.com+2mydivetech.com+2

Stone Beam’s safety framework includes:

  • Only working with licensed commercial diving firms compliant with IMCA / ADCI or equivalent standards.
  • Detailed job hazard analyses for every underwater cutting or breaking task.
  • Clear command structure: dive supervisor, barge master, lifting supervisor, demolition engineer.
  • Emergency procedures covering lost diver, entrapment, tool failure, gas issues and sudden weather changes.

8.2 Structural & Public Safety

Demolition in or near navigable waters must protect:

  • Adjacent structures (quay walls, buildings, tunnels, pipelines)
  • Public users (marina guests, road traffic on bridges, nearby residents)
  • Marine traffic (boats, ferries, jet skis)

Stone Beam aligns with the Dubai Construction Safety Code and other DM guidance, which emphasise the contractor’s duty to plan and monitor works to avoid structural incidents. Dubai Municipality+1

Controls include:

  • Vibration and settlement monitoring for critical neighbors
  • Temporary exclusion zones on water and land
  • Pre-demolition briefings and signage around affected areas

8.3 Environmental Controls

Environmental protection is non-negotiable in Dubai’s coastal zones. Stone Beam’s typical measures:

  • Silt curtains and turbidity monitoring, especially in lagoons and marinas
  • Avoiding high-risk periods for local marine ecology when reasonably practicable
  • Rapid response kits for oil or chemical spills
  • Proper waste segregation and tracking from barge to shore facility per DM’s waste management circulars. Dubai Municipality+1

9. When Should You Involve an Underwater Demolition Specialist?

You should involve a specialist as early as possible in situations such as:

  • Redevelopment of an island or marina where existing quay walls, piles or breakwaters must be modified or removed
  • Replacement or strengthening of bridge piers and marine supports
  • Upgrading or decommissioning of industrial jetties, intake/outfall structures and offshore platforms
  • Any demolition where part of the structure is below waterline, especially if near critical infrastructure

Early engagement helps:

  • Avoid design solutions that are hard to build or demolish in marine conditions
  • Budget more precisely for marine access and specialist plant
  • Align designs with DM / DMCA expectations, reducing approval risk

Stone Beam works comfortably with concept-stage master planners as well as with contractors looking for a turnkey demolition partner.


10. How to Choose the Right Marine / Underwater Demolition Contractor in Dubai

When evaluating demolition contractors for underwater scopes, look at more than just price. Consider:

  1. Licensing & Compliance
    • DM demolition license and relevant category
    • Track record with DM, DMCA, Trakhees and other authorities Structural Solutions+1
  2. Technical Depth
    • In-house or partnered structural engineers
    • Access to GPR scanning, hydrodemolition, diamond cutting, robotic demolition
    • Familiarity with marine and underwater-specific methods, not just land demolition
  3. HSE and Diving Competence
    • Strong HSE management system aligned with Dubai Construction Safety Code Dubai Municipality+1
    • Proven partnerships with professional commercial diving companies
  4. Engineering-Led Method Statements
    • Clear, step-by-step method statements, not generic templates
    • Use of models, phasing sketches and lifting plans
  5. Evidence of Successful Projects
    • References or case studies for marine or complex demolition
    • Photographic and documentary evidence of clean seabed and safe completion

Stone Beam Demolition meets these points with:

  • Broad experience in engineered demolition across Dubai & UAE
  • Advanced cutting and controlled demolition technologies
  • Integrated survey, scanning and monitoring capabilities
  • A culture of collaborating with leading diving and marine contractors to deliver safe underwater results

11. FAQ – Underwater Demolition Dubai & Marine Concrete Removal

1) What is underwater demolition?

Underwater demolition is the controlled breaking, cutting or removal of structures that are fully or partially submerged in water, such as piles, bridge piers, quay walls and submerged foundations.


2) Where is underwater demolition used in Dubai and the UAE?

Typical locations include:

  • Artificial islands and marina developments
  • Port and industrial jetties
  • Bridges and road crossings over water
  • Intake/outfall structures for power and desalination plants
  • Coastal leisure and water-theme projects

3) Is underwater demolition more expensive than normal demolition?

Generally yes, because it requires:

  • Marine plant (barges, jack-up platforms)
  • Commercial diving teams and specialized equipment
  • Additional regulatory approvals and environmental controls

However, a well-engineered plan can optimize cost by combining topside works, precise cutting and efficient lifting sequences.


4) Do I always need divers for underwater demolition?

Not always. In shallow or intertidal areas, works can sometimes be done from cofferdams, temporary bunds or elevated platforms. For deeper or complex structures, divers or ROVs are usually essential.


5) What are the safest methods for underwater demolition near sensitive structures?

Low-vibration methods like diamond wire sawing, hydrodemolition and carefully controlled robotic breaking are safest near sensitive neighbors such as tunnels, sea walls, utilities or other operating assets. aquajetsme.com+2Action International+2


6) How long do underwater demolition permits take in Dubai?

Timelines depend on scope and jurisdiction, but you should anticipate:

  • A few weeks for straightforward DM demolition permits
  • Additional time if DMCA, Trakhees or environmental authorities are involved, especially for major coastal or island changes. Dubai Maritime Authority+1

Stone Beam helps structure submissions to reduce back-and-forth with authorities.


7) Can underwater demolition be done without polluting the sea?

Yes, if planned correctly. Key measures:

  • Silt curtains and turbidity controls
  • Controlled cutting and breaking sequences
  • Efficient debris capture and lifting
  • Proper segregation, recycling and licensed disposal of all waste Dubai Municipality+1

8) Does Stone Beam Demolition work only in Dubai, or across the UAE?

Stone Beam is based in Dubai but can support underwater and marine demolition projects across the UAE, coordinating with local port or municipal authorities as needed.


9) At what project stage should I contact Stone Beam about underwater demolition?

The ideal time is concept or early design stage, before finalizing new marine layouts or bridge schemes. Early engagement lets Stone Beam:

  • Flag demolition and access constraints
  • Suggest more buildable/deconstructible solutions
  • Provide realistic cost and time allowances

10) How can I get a proposal for underwater demolition?

You typically provide:

  • Project location and jurisdiction
  • Drawings and any as-built information
  • Photos or previous inspection reports

Stone Beam’s team will then prepare an initial feasibility and budget proposal, followed by a full engineered method statement as the project moves forward.


If you’re planning a demolition project in Dubai , don’t settle for outdated methods or inflated prices. Stone Beam Demolition Company delivers professional and compliant services. They are competitively priced and align with the highest standards of the UAE capital.

  1. Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote Today Through ‎+971 55 930 8594– info@sbdemolition.ae

Related topic

  1. “Choosing the Right Demolition Method in Dubai & UAE”
  2. “Concrete Cutting & Core Drilling Services in Dubai”
  3. “GPR Scanning & Structural Investigation for Demolition Projects”
  4. “Demolition on Islands and Coastal Projects in Dubai”

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