Abu Dhabi to take over Fujairah Port operations

United Arab Emirates-based developer and terminal operator Abu Dhabi Ports has signed an agreement to take over operations and infrastructure development at the Port of Fujairah, allowing for berth deepening and crane installment starting in 2018.    Abu Dhabi Ports has signed a 35-year concession agreement to develop, manage and operate the Port of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
   The agreement grants the port terminal developer and operator exclusive rights to develop port infrastructure and undertake operations for containers, general cargo, roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) and cruise ships. 
   The agreement also includes deepening the berths to 16.5 meters to enable the port to cater to larger vessels, and building a 300,000-square-meter storage space and a one-kilometer quay.
   Abu Dhabi Ports will also supply Fujairah Port with new STS post-Panama quay cranes, rubber tired gantries (RTGs) and IT systems. Maqta Gateway, a wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports, will be utilized to develop a Port Community System that links port communities with various departments, facilities and operations, said the port operator.
   “Signing with the Port of Fujairah marks a major milestone for Abu Dhabi Ports. This significant investment will see Abu Dhabi Ports share best practices with Fujairah Ports, which is one of the most important economic and commercial ports operating in the UAE, to further complement services offered at both Khalifa Port and Zayed Port,” Capt. Mohammed Jumaa Al Shamsi said of the agreement.
   “This agreement will offer clients on the east coast more options, it will also allow the re-export of goods that arrive at Khalifa Port to India, Pakistan and East Africa in addition to receiving general cargo for clients in the northern emirates,” he added.
   “Abu Dhabi Ports will utilize all its capabilities and expertise to enable Fujairah Ports to achieve its objectives, based on best practices. In particular we plan to leverage the geography of this strategic port to contribute to the development of the UAE’s commercial and tourism sector,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, cabinet member, minister of state and chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports.
   Abu Dhabi Ports will commence with the development of berths and yards in 2018, but will remain operational during this time, said the port. Furthermore, additional capacity and new quay cranes will begin operations in 2021.