Traffic surges at Fujairah port

The Port of Fujairah recorded a 41 per cent increase in calls by vessels last year compared to 2001, in addition to a significant increase in tonnage handling.

Port authorities yesterday said 1,957 vessels called during 2002, giving the port regular periods of 'berth congestion' throughout last year.

Capt Mousa Murad, general manager, said: "The port, which operated with 800 metres of main quay during most months of 2002, has finalised its development programme. It has been extended by a further 600 metres, giving a total continuous quay of 1.4 km, as well as the harbour entrance and basin which have been dredged to 15 metres."

He said the bulk loader, capable of loading 2,000 tonnes an hour, has been operational since November 2002. "In mid-2001, our major container customer NOL-APL advised us that they would take advantage of the increased facilities to call direct at Mumbai, India, with their mother vessel instead of trans-shipping at Fujairah.

"We realised that we could expect a substantial downturn in containers through 2002. At the same time, we were aware that our bulk cargo volumes would increase dramatically. We would have to provide adequate berth space for this operation and other project and general cargo volumes until our new berths, especially the bulk loader became operational."

Captain Murad said the commissioning of the new quay and the additional paved terminal space, the introduction of the new bulk loader and the freeing up of additional compacted land within the port, previously used for aggregate stockpiles, allow the port authority to overcome congestion and operational problems.

"Despite the significant loss of container trans-shipment volumes and berth congestion, our total tonnage handled in 2002 recorded just below 21 million tonnes, still representing a 4.5 per cent increase over 2001."

He said the increase in tonnage handling was mainly attributed to a significant increase in bulk aggregate volumes, which averaged around 500,000 tonnes a month, handled by a conventional lift-grab operation with geared vessels for the majority of the year.

"The aggregate tonnage volumes recorded last year reached more than 6 million tonnes, representing an increase of 42 per cent over 2001," said Capt Murad.

"We still expect volumes to continue increasing significantly during 2003," he said.

He said the port's dealings with general and project cargo also showed an increase of over 60 per cent by handling more than 700,000 tonnes. Again this market is expected to continue to improve, aided by the freeing up of additional land and storage space within the port.

"The reputation of our anchorage and our bunkering operations continues to grow. Whilst oil and bunkering performance in 2001, showed a dramatic increase of over 60 per cent, 2002 saw a consolidation of that growth with the same volumes, with some 11.5 million tonnes being handled.

The number of vessels at the anchorage area increased by around 20 per cent to over 6,000 vessels a year," Capt Murad said.

The number of bunkering companies licensed to operate in Fujairah increased to eight. Vopak Enoc added a new single point buoy moored 3km offshore with a draft of 26 metres to their facilities and are currently adding a further 300,000 cubic metres to their tank capacity, he said, adding that both Emarat and Eppco are planning major increases in onshore-based tank facilities.

"Our supply industry is served by 28 specialised agencies who own and operate 78 utility boats at the Port of Fujairah. These boats offer a range of services," he added.

Captain Murad said the Port of Fujairah entered 2003 with a firm multi-purpose base and enhanced facilities. He said they will continue to press onward with diversification and new ventures, including ship repair and new tanker berths, capitalising on the advantages of the port's strategic position.