The first marina within the Lusail City development in Doha, Qatar, is moving ahead with Mourjan Marinas IGY marking a number of construction milestones in recent weeks.

Mourjan Marinas IGY, the developer and manager of luxury marinas and yachting lifestyle destinations who is developing one of Doha’s premiere marinas, has announced that significant progress has been made since they started construction work at the beginning of October.

Matthew Bate, director of operations for Mourjan Marinas IGY, said piling of the marina has been completed, which included the installation of 59 piles within two weeks. With the flooding program having started at the end of October, the marina is on schedule for its grand opening and to welcome the 2011 boating season.

“We have moved ahead very quickly since we first started construction and we are pleased with the considerable progress that has been made in just a few short weeks,” Bate said.

“We are working around the clock to deliver one of the Middle East’s premiere marina facilities and we are building this marina under an unprecedented fast track program that will set a new benchmark for marina development in the region.”

Extra piling rigs were utilised on site and the launch of pontoons is scheduled to commence mid November. Bate said the pontoons are being manufactured in both the UAE and Canada to meet the target date.

“This will be closely followed by adding features such as the shade structures, service pedestal and furniture for the lounges,” he added.

“This is a landmark project and we are combining elegantly designed facilities with world-class services. What we are developing is something that is very unique.”

Working with the internationally renowned pontoon manufacturer Structurmarine, the main contractor building the marina, Mourjan Marinas IGY is using the very best materials to meet the highest environmental management standards. The marina is utilising aluminium marina systems that are built of non-corrosive recyclable materials, including marine-grade aluminium alloy frames, composite wood deckings, plastic floats and stainless steel hardware, a statement said.

Mourjan Marinas IGY is also planting mangroves on the marina in dedicated planter boxes that are especially designed for the mangrove habitat to help promote the environment and increase public awareness of the marine eco-system.

Working with the support of local and international environmental groups, the marina developer has also approached Unesco and engaged in an active discussion regarding mangrove development.

Added to this, the marina will be built to comply with Gold Anchor, Blue Flag and Clean Marinas Status.

The Dubai-based Mourjan Marinas IGY utilises its design, engineering, management and marketing expertise to benefit waterfronts around the world with the vision to be at the forefront of the maritime industry in the Middle East, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service.