(MENAFN - Arab News) The announcement of a new port project in Abu Dhabi was made on the sidelines of the ongoing World Port and Trade Summit 2013 in the UAE capital.
Waleed Al-Tamimi, vice president of project development at Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), said ADPC would be developing Shahama Port, located about 4 km off the main Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, into a commercial, leisure and tourism hub.
A major attraction for leisure boat users is likely to be its close proximity to attractive islands and sites like Saadiyat Island (29 km), Ras Ghurab (16 km), Yas Island (6.4 km) and Raha Beach (8 km). "We see Shahama Port becoming one of the largest one-stop-shops for all leisure boat users in Abu Dhabi," Al-Tamimi said.
The port will be home to facilities and recreational amenities, both supporting the community and the activities in the port. It will have slipways, boat lifts, ramps, water and electrical connections for boats, service centers, a marina clubhouse, restaurants and cafes, a shopping and retail complex, and picnic areas.
ADPC will develop the Shahama water basin and land site to have both sales and service facilities for small marine craft.
"The first phase of the project has just got under way and we expect it to be completed in early 2014. When finished, Phase 1 facilities will offer 100 wet berths for up to 55-foot long boats, a 190 dry berth for trailer storage under shades, a large slipway for boats and jet skis, fuelling and retail facilities, two maintenance workshops, and a marina Club House with games room, coffee shops and other amenities," Al-Tamimi added.
Meanwhile, ADPC also announced the launch of a subsidiary company, for shipping into the emirate - ADPC Marine Services. It will offer a team of more than 160 employees, dedicated to such areas, including experienced pilots, marine crew, technicians and other customer-focused staff.
The company has been divided into five core services areas that focus on pilotage, harbor towage, mooring and allied services, vessel traffic services, and aids to navigation service.
