Abras go green with CNG to minimise pollution

Dubai: The water transport system in Dubai is expected to ferry more than 100 million passengers annually within seven years, said the chief of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Monday.

"Our aim is to have a number one water transport system. Currently the figures stand at 29 million passengers annually," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

He was speaking at the launch of a pilot operation of three abras on compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of diesel. The project is initiated in cooperation with Emirates Gas. The CNG-run abras are in keeping with its objective of being eco-friendly and are painted green.

Al Tayer said the work on the project started after an agreement was signed in last May with Emirates Gas. It took nearly six months to fit the new engines in the three abras.

"This pilot project will be run for a year during which abras will commute passengers between four stations - Al Sabkha, Dubai Old Souk, Deira Old Souq and Bur Dubai. In comparison to the diesel operated abras the green abras will minimise environmental pollution and reduce the emissions of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and dioxide and engine noise. The smoke generated from diesel engine operated abras will be reduced by 66 per cent," he said.

He said based on the smooth operations of the three abras the RTA will consider introducing alternative fuel in other marine transport systems of the RTA. "Using environment friendly systems falls under the key objectives of the Dubai Government Strategic Plan and the RTA Strategic Plan," said Al Tayer.

Explaining fuel costs and economic implications of the new CNG run abras, Saeed Khoury, Chief Executive Officer of the Enoc group, said the project includes slashing costs by 30 per cent which is about Dh1 million annually.

He said: "The success of the project is vital as it is based on its performance. We will get the entire fleet of 149 abras run on CNG. The CNG engines are characterised by their compact size, high efficiency, easy maintenance and lack of oil spill compared to diesel engines. In the event of gas leakage or overflow it is also safe, as it is equipped with the automatic shutter system."

Khalid Al Zahid, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the RTA Marine Agency said that Emirates Gas will refill cylinders with the CNG at an ad hoc station located at abra berthing area.

"Abra operators will be trained on the use of CNG in operating their abras. All security and safety principles are well attended to in accordance with the international standards," he said.

Properties: Odourless and clear

Compressed natural gas, or CNG, is natural gas under pressure which remains clear, odourless, and non-corrosive. Although vehicles can use natural gas as either a liquid or a gas, most vehicles use the gaseous form compressed to pressures above 3,100 pounds per square inch.