Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) stressed the importance of ensuring “marine security and safety” to all users of marine transport modes envisaged under the extensive marine projects.

RTA Marine Agency started these projects last year as part of its plan to provide safe and smooth transport for all besides offering an additional mode of transport to transport systems in Dubai.

Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of RTA Marine Agency said that the agency was taking all steps to provide marine security and safety.

"RTA assigns great importance to this matter as marine transport is very popular and getting increasingly attractive to commuters of marine transport modes such as rowing & motorised abras, compressed natural gas-operated abras, and the water bus," he noted.

"With these integral projects, Dubai Marine Gate will be a key carrier capable of providing assistance in containing the congested spots and easing traffic bottlenecks using the highest security and safety marine standards applicable worldwide, with top quality service to users of marine transport,” Al Mulla added.

He pointed out that the volume of marine projects completed in 2007 was the best demonstration of the agency's keen attention and concern of Marine Agency to overcome all difficulties in the path of marine transport users in commuting between the two banks of Dubai Creek.

“Marine projects completed this year could be divided into two major parts; the first one is concerned with marine transport services, and the other is concerned with the commuting the public across Dubai Creek."

In the first part we have completed the Water Bus Project, which is made of Aluminium and has a dual base Catarmaran Low Wash.

"The number of boats envisaged in this project is 10 and we hope to commute over 2 million passengers in the first year. The project covers five key stations - Bani Yas, Bur Dubai Souk, Al Sabkha, Dubai Old Souk and Al Seef Station,” said Al Mulla.

He said last year three model abras were operated on compressed natural gas.

"The project aims at operating these abras on CNG to preserve the marine environment from pollution and damage caused by the use of diesel engines."

Al Mulla said the design and construction of seven traditional kiosks, dedicated for selling snacks, fast foods, newspapers, water and juices, has been completed. - TradeArabia News Service