Roads & Transport Authority: The Board of Directors of Roads Transport Authority (RTA)Roads Transport Authority (RTA), chaired by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the RTARTA, endorsed the experimental project of transforming operation of two abras to solar energy instead of diesel, in accordance with the technical standards set in this regard.

Engineer Khalid Al Zahid, Acting CEO of Marine Agency stated that this project is a result of efforts put by the RTARTA to make use of solar energy in operating abras, as it has considerable economic & environmental benefits in reducing fuel costs and environmental pollution.

"Marine Agency has approached a number of global businesses regarding transforming engines of two abras to solar energy. Many offers were received and are being assessed to select the best one" said Al Zahid.

He pointed out that solar energy-operated abra engines will contribute to reducing pollution level resulting from abra engines (diesel) by 80%, and fuel cost by 65%. This translates into cutting annual fuel bill from Dh3.69 million for diesel consumption to Dh2.214 million for solar energy batteries. The project will also result in reducing the cost of maintaining engines, which amounts to Dh894 thousands, by 40% per annum, in addition to substantial reduction of harmful gas emissions such as carbon monoxide & dioxide emanating from abra engine exhausts.

Al Zahid further added that solar energy-operated abras are safer than diesel-operated abra engines. Moreover, their prescribed lifetime is longer and cause no fuel leakage, compared to diesel-operated abras; where fuel leak can cause oil stains.

The Acting CEO of Marine Agency stressed that RTARTA attaches special importance to protecting environment and is very keen to make all transport modes environment-friendly. He revealed that the agency is collecting random samples from abras which cleared the technical test conducted by Emirates Petroleum Products Co.Emirates Petroleum Products Co. (EPCOEPCO) to ensure compatibility with all technical testing standards; particularly the percentage of pollution resulting from the exhaust systems of abra engines.

"RTARTA signed in last May an agreement with Emarat Gas Co.Emarat Gas Co. to transform the engines of three abras such that they will be operated on compressed natural gas instead of diesel. Once this study proves successful, RTARTA will consider generalizing application of fueling alternatives to its various marine transport systems" Al Zahid commented.

He explained that abras are vital means of transport between the two banks of Dubai Creek. Statistics reveal that motorized abras transferred last year 25.748.259 passengers, served in 1.287.413 trips, posting a growth rate of 22.7% compared to 2005 figures.

-Ends-

© Press Release 2007 from Roads & Transport Authority

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