Ras Al Khaimah, May 17th 2017 

Saqr Port Authority, which manages the largest bulk-handling port in the middle East, has taken a further step in its planned capacity expansion by signing a deal with Dutch Shipbuilding and Engineering Conglomerate Damen Group for the delivery of a new ASD 2913 tug. 

The announcement comes in quick succession of Saqr Port’s recently publicised deal with German machinery manufacturer Liebherr Maritime for two Liebherr LHM 800 mobile harbour cranes. Both contracts have been signed in support of Saqr Port’s plans to establish new berths to create additional capacity in response to rising demand for import / export movements through the Port. In addition to the increased capacity planning, RAK Ports recently opened the Marine Training Institute to deliver FTA accredited training courses to the growing maritime community within the Northern Emirates. These initiatives are strong indicators of the importance of RAK Ports to the overall economic success the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has experienced in recent years, with the Ports acting as major gateways for expansive international business. 

Captain Cliff Brand, RAK Ports General Manager, commented “The addition of a new tug to our existing fleet is another building block in the execution of our strategy to significantly expand the capacity and service portfolio at Saqr Port, which includes being able to handle Capesize class vessels. We already operate 7 Damen tugs as part of our fleet and we are confident that expanding our partnership with Damen Group will help the Port to handle the expected increased cargo movements with the same high levels of efficiency that our clients have become accustomed to over the years.”

The new vessel will be built just a short distance away at Albwardy Damen in Sharjah and will be delivered in time for the opening of the new bulk terminal at Saqr Port in mid-2018.

Saqr Port handled in excess of 55 million tonnes of cargo in 2016, mainly consisting of limestones and aggregates which serves the majority of the construction projects within the Middle East and makes it the largest bulk-handling port in the region.

-Ends-

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About RAK Ports.
RAK Ports is the Ras Al Khaimah government body that oversees Ports and Maritime activities of Ras Al Khaimah. Ras Al Khaimah has five ports:

Saqr Port – The major maritime hub sustaining the demands of the regional construction industry, Saqr Port is central to the economic success of the Middle East.

RAK Maritime City Free Zone – One of the Middle East most progressive business hubs with unrivalled port and free zone facilities, a conveniently-located logistics gateway, superb infrastructure, flexible company set-up frameworks and smart support services.

Ras Al Khaimah Port – A diverse, centrally-based port encompassing a free zone area adjacent to waterfront access, a growing portfolio of warehousing and cold storage facilities totaling a combined area of 28,000 square metres, and a fully equipped passenger terminal.

Al Jazeera Port and Shipyard – A conveniently located port offering a comprehensive range of services and facilities including a shipyard area with a repairs division, synchro-lift and dry docking facilities, numerous wet berths, warehouses, covered workshop space, open yard space, and offices.

Al Jeer Port – One of the Arabian coast’s most picturesque ports with a modern marina complex and sailing club, a training centre accredited by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) a fully licensed clubhouse and a dedicated outdoor education centre with accommodation facilities.

For further information please email info@rakports.ae or call + +971 (0)7 205 6000

Website –  www.rakports.ae

© Press Release 2017