Abu Dhabi Ports has announced the official inauguration of a new port on Delma Island in the emirtae which has been built at a cost of Dh170 million ($46.3 million).

Strategically located on the eastern side of the island, the new port will better serve the community in the Al Dhafra region as an upgraded multipurpose port capable of handling cargo, passenger ferries and fishing vessels.

The new Delma Port covers a total area of 280,725 sq m, with 58,500 sq m of pavement for easy transport. It features an accessible breakwater with platform to integrate the operation of ferry terminal and CICPA facilities.

The ferry terminal has 103-m long quay wall with three fixed ramps that serve as berthing areas for ferry vessels. It also boasts a marina with 160 wet berths and 104 dry berths for fishing and recreational craft was provided to support the local boat population.

It was opened under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in “Al Dhafra Region”, Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Chief of the General Authority for the Security of Ports, Borders and Free Zones, and Board Member of Abu Dhabi Ports.

Speaking at the launch, Al Mazrouei, said: "The development of Delma Port comes in line with the Abu Dhabi Plan, which calls for an effective transportation system to serve the community and economy, with an emphasis on the development of sustainable sea transport.”

The Delma Port project, he stated, is one that promises to be a foundation stone in the development of the Al Dhafra Region through its focus on meeting the highest quality standards.

"In addition, the deep foresight and strategic thinking that has gone into the planning of this project is evidence of Abu Dhabi Ports’ commitment to the success of Delma Port in accordance with the objectives of our government," he noted.

Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, the Diwan of the Ruler's representatives from Al Dhafra region and other senior government officials also attended the event.

The other key facilities include the administration building, fish market, restaurant, public building, sheltered storage area for fishing equipment besides Adnoc Marine fuelling facility, ferry terminal building and CICPA inspection facility accentuate services for the New Delma Port.

On the new port, Dr Al Zeyoudi said its inauguration comes in line with the directives of the UAE leadership in enhancing the ports in the Al Dhafra region and strengthening their economic resources.

"This forms part of the Abu Dhabi Plan to diversify the economy by upgrading sea links on Delma Island and in the UAE, resulting in multiple commercial benefits. The new Port will also play a role in attracting tourists from around the world to experience the Delma Wildlife Reserve and traditional boats, which are still, to this date, used by fisherman, in addition to the island’s scenic mountain views," he stated.
 
He lauded the government for its ambitious efforts in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub in the maritime, logistics and investment sectors on local, regional and international levels.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports, pointed out that the Dalma Port will play an active role in promoting economic and social growth in the Al Dhafra region, through its use as a multi-purpose port for cargo vessels, ferries and fishing boats.

"In addition, this port will help support the growth of the tourism sector in Dalma, the Islands and the surrounding areas," he added.

Al Shamisi said this port is one of the biggest in Al Dhafra Region, and has been designed to provide an effective sheltered harbour for the maritime community in Delma.

"It is capable of handling cargo, passenger ferries and fishing vessels, better serving the community of Delma. The port, which is considered a hub, has been carefully designed as an integrated ecosystem that creates space for vessels and also offers the support services needed to facilitate sustainable transport," stated the top official.

"We are thrilled to announce that the Delma Port project was delivered in record time, anchoring Abu Dhabi Ports’ position as a leading developer of ports," he added.-TradeArabia News Service