Abu Dhabi: A major port project has been unveiled in Abu Dhabi's Western Region in a move which analysts say will take the pressure off the capital's existing logistics hub.
The port has been jointly developed by Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) and the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) as part of a Dh730 billion investment in the Western Region.
TDIC announced last week that the Louvre, Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum projects were back on track, and ADPC said in a statement yesterday that the port would help the developer transport construction materials and labour for ongoing projects on Yas and Saadiyat Islands.
"It will be able to handle all TDIC construction materials and workers in a faster, safer and more efficient manner. It will also provide back-of-house operational support, thus ensuring the tourism continuity of the island," the statement said.
The ADPC said yesterday that the Sir Bani Yas Logistics Port "is now fully operational with three roll-on roll-off ramps, a boat pontoon and a control office".
James Pringle, Acting CEO of TDIC, said that the Sir Bani Yas Port "is an important addition to the island".
"This dedicated construction and back-of-house operations hub will help to enable the smooth running of the transportation of goods between the island and the mainland, which in turn will assist us to continue to develop Sir Bani Yas Island into one of the emirate's leading tourism destinations," Pringle added.
Positive
Analysts told Gulf News yesterday that the move was a positive one for shipping in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
Waddah Taha, chief analyst and economist at the Zarouni Group, said that the move from Abu Dhabi city to Sir Bani Yas Island, 250 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, aims to reduce traffic and handling.
"This helps to decrease the pressure on the main port in Abu Dhabi City, Zayed Port, and will help also improve the infrastructure in the distant areas and service them with high quality infrastructure including water, electricity, telephones and other requirements that help people settle in these areas," Taha added.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Amerah, chief economist at the Ajman Chamber of Trade and Industry, said: "This is a milestone, not only for TDIC and ADPC, but for the Western Region and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as this is a landmark for developing the emirate by having many ports for roll-on and roll-off traffic (RO/RO traffic) which helps vessels unload their cargo easily and in a shorter time".
Multipurpose
Mohammad Al Shamsi, Vice President of the Ports Unit at ADPC, said during the opening ceremony: "Sir Bani Yas will have a multi-purpose port. This new facility will help streamline business, contributing to the region's economic and tourism development. We will continue with our ongoing commitment to provide excellent services in all the ports we look after."
"Now, logistics between Sir Bani Yas and the mainland ports of Jebel Dhanna and Mugharrag Port have been strengthened.
"Goods and services transported between the island and the mainland will benefit from the new, modern facilities and easier access," said ADPC in a statement.
