AD Ports to boost emirate’s maritime infrastructure with ferries, terminals

In close collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Maritime, operating under AD Ports Group, has announced the ground-breaking of several new marina and ferry station developments across the UAE’s capital.

Scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2022, the newly-announced developments projects include a mix of marina facilities and ferry terminals that will be developed at Rabdan, Al Saadiyat Island, and Al Aliah Island. Furthermore, an additional marina and ferry station project will be developed at Jebel Dhanna, with completion anticipated in the third quarter of 2023.

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 has also announced plans 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 per cent, and its vehicle carrying capacity by 40 per cent. 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 per cent, and deliver a more exciting travel experience.

H.E. Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, 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 support the leadership’s vision by 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.”

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “As a global facilitator of trade, logistics, and industry, AD Ports Group is well-positioned to lead the development of ultra-modern maritime infrastructure within our Emirate.

“I am pleased that our Government has entrusted our Group to develop these important projects, and given its close relationship with our maritime community, has assigned Abu Dhabi Maritime to operate them.

“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.”

Capt. Saif Al Mheiri, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Maritime, said: “The development of the terminals is a testament to our commitment to continue advancing our maritime assets and facilities, enhance the experience for residents and visitors, as well as promote Abu Dhabi as a premier global trade and maritime centre.

“With Abu Dhabi Maritime recently assuming the responsibility for operating our Emirate’s ferry services, our user base can rest assured that the new multi-role vessels will play an important role in boosting Al Aliah and Dalma islands’ development by carrying more vehicles and passengers, and by accommodating heavy trucks for the first time in the service’s history.”

Dr Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Acting Director General, Department of Municipalities and Transport, said: “As part of its strategy to develop an advanced infrastructure for maritime transport, the Department is working hard to increase the number of platforms and maritime terminals in Abu Dhabi. This next phase is critical in establishing Abu Dhabi as one of the top maritime transport and tourism destinations globally by ensuring the sustainability of operations and services.”

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.

Abu Dhabi Maritime was established in 2020 as the primary custodian of Abu Dhabi’s waterways and marine ecosystems. Operating under AD Ports Group, with guidance from Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Maritime governs and regulates Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector by providing world-leading maritime infrastructure, while ensuring the emirate implements the highest standards of health, safety, environment, and quality.

Established in 2006, AD Ports Group today serves as the region’s premier facilitator of logistics, industry, and trade, as well as a bridge linking Abu Dhabi to the world. Listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, AD Ports Group’s vertically integrated business approach has proven instrumental in driving the emirate’s economic development over the past decade.