What Is Jacking and Skidding? Specialized Heavy Equipment Moving Services in the UAE

 

In the industrial logistics and heavy machinery transportation sector, jacking and skidding services have emerged as the backbone of precision-heavy lifting and positioning. These specialized techniques are essential for relocating massive equipment where traditional cranes or lifting solutions are either impractical or unsafe. In the UAE, where infrastructure projects, oil & gas industries, and large-scale industrial operations are booming, the need for safe, efficient, and professional jacking and skidding services has never been higher.

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Understanding Jacking and Skidding: The Fundamentals

What Is Jacking?

Jacking is the process of lifting heavy loads vertically using hydraulic jacks. It is primarily used when overhead lifting is not feasible, such as in low-clearance or indoor environments. In the UAE, jacking is extensively used for:

• Industrial equipment maintenance
• Transformer installations
• Bridge construction and maintenance
• Turbine and generator positioning

The hydraulic jacks can lift loads exceeding hundreds of tons, allowing for millimeter-precise positioning. High-capacity synchronized jacks ensure the even elevation of heavy structures, minimizing structural stress and risk.

What Is Skidding?

Skidding refers to the horizontal movement of heavy loads using specially designed skid tracks and push-pull hydraulic systems. Once the equipment is lifted using jacking, it is moved sideways or lengthwise across low-friction skid plates, usually made of Teflon or steel. In the UAE’s power plants, refineries, ports, and infrastructure projects, skidding is a critical technique for:

• Moving equipment into restricted or confined spaces
• Installing machinery into pre-engineered foundations
• Maneuvering loads across elevated or unstable terrains

The skidding system is modular and scalable, enabling safe, controlled movement across both short and extended distances.

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Why the UAE Demands Specialized Jacking and Skidding Services

1. Infrastructure Growth

With megaprojects such as Expo City Dubai, Etihad Rail, and NEOM’s logistical extensions into the UAE, the demand for safe and efficient heavy load transport has surged. Jacking and skidding allow companies to relocate transformers, turbines, prefabricated structures, and more without dismantling infrastructure or causing operational delays.

2. Industrial and Energy Sector Boom

The UAE is home to some of the largest oil refineries, desalination plants, and power generation units in the Middle East. These sectors rely heavily on periodic equipment replacement and upgrades. Jacking and skidding enable the removal and installation of oversized equipment in areas with space limitations and high safety protocols.

3. Precision and Safety Requirements

In the UAE, compliance with Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) and ISO certifications requires the highest levels of operational precision and safety. Jacking and skidding services are often the safest alternative to crane lifting, particularly in earthquake-prone zones or compact urban environments like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

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Types of Jacking and Skidding Equipment Used in the UAE

Hydraulic Jacking Systems

• Synchronized Hydraulic Jacks: For lifting multiple load points simultaneously
• Climbing Jacks: For high-rise structure assembly
• Toe Jacks: For low-clearance lifting
• Stage Lifting Jacks: For gradual elevation of massive loads

Skidding Systems

• Hydraulic Push-Pull Units: Control the movement along skid tracks
• Steel Skid Tracks: Designed for high-load durability
• Teflon Pads: Provide low-friction sliding surfaces
• Turntables: Allow for directional changes during skidding
• Load Monitoring Systems: Integrated with real-time feedback for positioning accuracy

All systems used in the UAE are typically certified under ASME and CE standards, ensuring international compliance.

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Industries in the UAE That Rely on Jacking Skidding

Oil and Gas

Offshore rigs, refinery columns, and heavy pressure vessels often require non-crane methods to move and position safely. Jacking and skidding services ensure controlled movement in explosive or hazardous environments.

Power and Utilities

Turbines, boilers, and transformers are transported and installed using jacking and skidding, especially in desalination plants and solar farms in the UAE’s desert regions.

Construction and Infrastructure

Heavy structural components like bridge segments, tunnel boring machines, and precast concrete panels are frequently moved using this method to maintain alignment and avoid crane usage in tight-access work zones.

Marine and Shipbuilding

Jacking and skidding allow for the precise movement of ship engines, hull sections, and propeller systems during installation or repair without dry-docking the vessel.

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Key Benefits of Jacking and Skidding Services in the UAE

Space Optimization

In cities like Dubai and Sharjah, space is limited. These methods allow companies to complete projects in restricted urban zones without removing existing structures.

Reduced Risk and Improved Safety

Since there is minimal overhead lifting, the risk to workers and adjacent property is significantly reduced, making it a preferred method for sensitive sites like airports and hospitals.

Cost-Efficiency

By avoiding the need for large cranes or disassembly of infrastructure, companies reduce downtime, labor costs, and equipment rentals.

Precision Handling

Hydraulic systems offer millimeter-level control, essential for aligning equipment to bolt patterns or connection points, especially in electrical substations and production lines.

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Choosing the Right Jacking and Skidding Partner in the UAE

When selecting a service provider in the UAE, consider:

• Proven Track Record: Look for projects executed in ADNOC facilities, DEWA plants, or Emirates Steel operations
• Certified Equipment and Technicians: Ensure compliance with ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and local UAE HSE standards
• Engineering Capabilities: Advanced engineering analysis, load testing, and method statements are vital for project success
• End-to-End Service: Providers should offer site survey, risk assessment, method planning, execution, and documentation

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Conclusion

Jacking and skidding services in the UAE have become indispensable for companies looking to safely, efficiently, and precisely move heavy industrial equipment. From Dubai’s skyscrapers to Abu Dhabi’s refineries, these methods are revolutionizing how infrastructure and industrial projects are executed.

With the right equipment, certified professionals, and strategic planning, jacking and skidding ensure minimal disruption, enhanced safety, and superior results—making them the preferred choice across a range of industries in the UAE.