RAK Customs and Ports to expand

The Ras Al Khaimah Customs and Ports Department announced yesterday that it had chalked out a $1 billion (Dh3.68 billion) expansion strategy for the emirate's ports.

It will use the upcoming Ship and Port Arabia 2005, the international exhibition on ship building, port and maritime technology, transport equipment and shipping logistics from September 3 to 5, to announce further detailed plans.

Speaking at a press conference to re-affirm its support to Ship and Port Arabia 2005, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC), Mohammad A. Al Mehrizi, director-general of the Customs and Ports Department said, "We have developed a comprehensive plan to expand the facilities at the ports of Ras Al Khaimah as part of our commitment to improve and install modern facilities to drive more growth and increase our contribution to the economy."

He said the expansion plan covered all ports of Ras Al Khaimah Saqr Port, Ras Al Khaimah Port, Al Jazerah Al Hamra Port and Ras Al Darah Port.

"Our plan for Al Jazeerah Al Hamra Port includes development of container and general cargo services with Qeshem Free Trade Zone and Bandar Abbas, Iran.

"We will also acquire more handling equipment and increase the depth of approach channel and inner harbour to eight metres. We will have in place Synchro Lift for ship lifting and implement ISO 14001 systems for the port," he said. All four ports of Ras Al Khaimah will be participating at Ship and Port Arabia 2005 under the umbrella of Customs and Ports Department, Government of Ras Al Khaimah, he added.

The three-day show holds significance for the regional maritime economy with many dynamic developments taking place.

Apart from Ras Al Khaimah Port, the show is also supported by Dubai Ports Authority, Abu Dhabi Port Authority, Sharjah Port Authority, Saudi Ports Authority and Dubai Shipping Agents Association.

Al Mehrizi said the department has added four new powerful mobile cranes, the biggest in the region, at the Saqr Port, which has increased the efficiency of cargo loading and discharging and the capacity has reached 60,000 tonnes a year.

Ras Al Khaimah Government has signed an agreement with an international investing company, Kuwait Gulf and Transport Link to operate a station for containers where a new infrastructure will be established at berth Nos 1-4 including new office premises.

"Many development initiatives are also taking place at the Ras Al Khaimah Port, starting with a new passenger terminal which is ready. Two high speed passenger ferries with a capacity of 40 seats has also been acquired from China for Dh7.36 million to offer passenger and cargo transportation services from the Ras Al Khaimah Port to Qeshem and Kish in Iran," Al Mehrizi said.