Abu Dhabi Maritime, operating under AD Ports Group, has announced the ground-breaking of several new marina and ferry station developments across the UAE capital, in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
Scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2022, the projects include a mix of marina facilities and ferry terminals, which will be developed at Rabdan, Al Saadiyat Island, and Al Aliah Island, a statement from AD Ports Groups aid.
Furthermore, an additional marina and ferry station project will be developed at Jebel Dhanna, with completion anticipated in the third quarter of 2023, it added.
AD Ports Group Chairman Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi said: “In accordance with the Abu Dhabi Plan Maritime, our leadership is implementing an ambitious vision and a unified strategic direction to sustainably grow our emirate’s commercial and recreational offering, and position Abu Dhabi as a leading global maritime capital.”
“We are investing in emerging technologies and world-class infrastructure to transform trade and redefine the future of maritime trade and logistics to connect Abu Dhabi to the world,” he continued.
The modern and artistically designed facilities will offer a range of new services and capabilities including, additional wet and dry berths, wider slipways capable of simultaneous vessel launches and retrievals, upgraded docking facilities, and a suite of new food and beverage, and retail spaces.
The new projects are expected to enhance the emirate’s marine infrastructure and raise the number of marina berths by 246, Abu Dhabi Maritime said. Plans have also been made to reinforce the existing ferry service with five additional new state-of-the-art vessels.
Enhancing the maritime transport services to Al Aliah and Dalma islands, the new vessels are expected to expand the fleet’s passenger carrying capacity by almost 70%, and its vehicle carrying capacity by 40%, Al Ahbabi stated.
“Thanks to their advanced designs and application of modern technological solutions, the vessels will improve safety, reduce the overall transit times, enhance fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions by 25 percent, and deliver a more exciting travel experience.”
Managing Director and Group CEO Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi added: “As a global facilitator of trade, logistics, and industry, we are well-positioned to lead the development of ultra-modern maritime infrastructure within our emirate.
“Upon completion, these milestone developments will undoubtedly further Abu Dhabi’s unique maritime offering for those who come to enjoy our islands, waterways and shores, and for those who call them their home.”
At the start of 2022, Abu Dhabi Maritime took over the Ferry Operations Branch of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) to become the main operator of all ferry services within Abu Dhabi’s waterways.
Overseeing the daily operation of Abu Dhabi’s ferry lines, which comprise the Dalma Island Water Transport Service and Al Aliah Island Public Water Transport Service, Abu Dhabi Maritime has dedicated itself towards enhancing ferry operations with the addition of new infrastructure, acquisition of new fleet assets, and digitalisation of all ferry services.