03 May 2006
Dubai: Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) will undertake major expansion and modernization of Al Hamriyah Port in Dubai in line with its strategy to ensure continual development of all ports under its management in the UAE in order to meet the rapid growth in domestic and regional trade.
The project will lead to increased storage and general cargo capacity at Al Hamriyah Port.
The expansion involves three quays at the port, including augmentation of the commercial quay by 2.5 km in two phases.
Major modernization programmes have been envisioned for the adjacent fishing port, which include refurbishment of the port's quay to allow for smoother traffic flow, as well as the setting up of a boat-building unit and a multi-storey office building. In addition, the project includes construction of a quay exclusively for yachts.
The new project will cover every aspect of operations at the Al Hamriyah Port, and is designed to enhance the port's role as a major re-exporting hub, especially within the UAE, by increasing its capacity to cater to the requirements of small and medium ships and by leveraging its strategic location in the heart of Dubai.
Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Dubai Ports Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), said, "The move to expand and modernise Al Hamriyah Port follows the directive of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in this regard. This project also comes in line with the strategy of DP World to ensure continual development of all its ports in the UAE.
"With trade volume at Dubai Ports growing exponentially, it has become necessary to expedite completion of all port expansion and upgradation projects. Also, there is growing customer demand for raising the container handling capacity, which would require large-scale infrastructure development projects.
"The expansion is a major step forward in fulfilling these requirements, and the project has been planned carefully enough to accommodate future demands," Bin Sulayem added.
Adnan Al Abbar, DPA Chief Operations officer, said: "The expansion project at Al Hamriyah Port will be implemented in two phases.
"The first phase will commence in early 2007, and will include the construction of three quays with a combined length of 1.2 km, whereas the second phase will begin in 2008, immediately after the completion of the first phase."
The quay at the fishing port will be augmented by 57 per cent, significantly boosting the fishing trade.
A seven-storey office building will be constructed on a total built-up area of 16,170 square metres, at an estimated cost of Dh55 million.
Also to be constructed at the fishing port are a lodging facility for sailors and workers on a total land area of 1,750 square metres, and an 18,858 square metre boat-building unit.
The fishing port will function as an independent unit, and will have a separate entrance.
A 175-metre yacht quay will also be constructed at the Al Hamriyah Port to cater to the growing demand for an exclusive quay for yachts, following the boom in marine tourism in the region.
DPA says the move is in line with its strategy to ensure continual development of all ports under its management in the UAE and meet the rapid growth in trade.
By Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
