RTA signs an agreement with Emirates Gas for converting & supplying three Abras with CNG

The agreement has been signed on behalf of RTA by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman & Executive Director, and on behalf of Emirates Gas by H.E. Hussain Sultan, Chief Executive of ENOC Group in the presence of engineer Essa Al Dossari, CEO of Marine Transport Agency, engineer Ahmed Al Hamadi, Director of Operation & Performance Dep't in Marine Transport Agency and Eng. Yusr H. Sultan, Chief Executive Shipping, Terminal ling & LPG and Eng. Hesham Ali Mustafa, General Manager, Emirates Gas.

This agreement stems out of RTA & Emirates Gas to conduct experiments and studies about operating abras on compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of diesel, due to the enormous benefits of using natural gas in terms of economic & environmental aspects and thus slashing the cost of fuel and reducing the environmental pollution.

According to the agreement, RTA will specify three abras for operation on natural gas after securing agreements with their respective owners. Abras operators will be enlightened on the importance of the study and experiment and they will be briefed on its benefits to them and to the emirate of Dubai. RTA will track the results of the experiment with both the operators and Emirates Gas Co. and coordinate with the respective operators on all matters related to operating abras on CNG. Progress reports will be made and the company will be advised on the benefits realized from operating abras on CNG instead of diesel.

Emirates Gas will attend to converting engines of three abras currently operating on diesel within six month. Cylinders will be filled in a temporary station set in abras berthing sites by CNG, provided the transition of such station across the public roads shall be approved with the concerned authorities. Safety and security rules have to be ensured in accordance with the international standards and all regulations and laws governing operation of abras. Emirates Gas Co. will fund the experimental phase of the project and periodical reports will be made by the two parties on the progress of the project. Conclusions and findings will be outlined to sort out the problems encountered during the execution of the project. Abra operators will be trained on the use of CNG in their abras.

The agreement provided for adopting the international standards applicable in the use of CNG to ensure safe operation while ensuring against the risks of engine conversion operations and refueling with CNG for the three abras.

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the board and Executive Director, RTA, stated that the two parties have agreed to operate the three abras in the emirate of Dubai on CNG instead of diesel. The efforts of the partnership will concerted towards realizing the vision of Dubai in making Dubai a business & tourism hub in the region, working jointly with partners in order to improve the operational performance, simplifying procedures and developing services. It also contributes to enhancing communication and interaction with partners to realize the common interests that that eventually serve the interests of Dubai along with exchanging data and studies.

"In the event of a successful operation of the three abras on CNG, RTA will embark on a study to generalize the application of fueling options on other various modes of marines transport in the RTA. Operating engines of abra on CNG has multiple benefits in terms of the economic feasibility compared to diesel. It is expected to reduce fuelling cost by 30% and reduce pollution level resulting from the diesel-operated engines of abras by 66%. It will also curb the emission of harmful gases such as 1st and 2nd Carbon Dioxide emanating from engine exhausts of abras. In fact it is safer in the event of leakage or gas overflow due to the introduction of the auto shutting system that prevent from catching fire or explosions. It needs only smaller engines with a higher efficiency and reduced noise from the engine. Maintenance works are easier compared to diesel-operated engines. The prescribed lifetime of the engine is ultimately prolonged as it will be free from lead and there will be no oil spills" Al Tayer stated.

He further added, "RTA is attaching high importance to the Marine Transport Agency in consideration of its great contribution to transiting commuters between the two banks of the Creek. Statistics the numbers of motorized abra users reached 25.748.259 passengers conveyed in 1.287.413 trips and as such registering an increase of 22.7% compared to 2005".

He pointed out that RTA prepared a comprehensive study and developed a strategic plan to develop marine transport modes in the emirate at a cost exceeding one billion dirhams. The plan will be implemented in a specific timeline that includes operating Creek routes in successive phases and the coast line across Jumeirah Beaches which serves the tourists in the emirate. There is also the vital line to the manmade islands which is being coordinated with Nakheel to prepare for the requirements of the project and booking the sites of stations in the manmade islands. This line is expected to be operated once the construction of these islands is completed. External lines between Dubai and other emirates are also being considered. The highest safety and security levels will be applied in the project by providing modern and air-conditioned boats, constructing luxurious facilities that follow the best international practices and conducting comprehensive studies of the environmental impacts.

He stated that Marine Transport Agency has actually commenced execution of the Phase 1 of this plan which includes developing marine transport systems for commuters in the Creek so as to provide an additional service that is integrated with the remaining marine transport systems in the emirate. It also includes operating 10 water buses of 35 passengers each and they are set for initial service in July of this year. Six ferries of 120 passengers each are planned to be operated next year.

H.E. Hussein Sultan, Chief Executive of ENOC Group expressed his deep pleasure to cooperate with RTA; which is considered a strategic partner to the Group. Emirates Gas, ENOC has signed the agreement of using CNG as a fuel for abras instead of diesel.

"Signing this agreement comes out of our deep sense of social responsibility we are shouldering. We, in ENOC, are keen to protect environment and work on devising methods to curb the problems of pollution. This step is viewed as a quality shift forward on this direction. We look forward for it to lay the ground for other companies and businesses to practice their business in an environment-friendly manner. As a socially responsible company, ENOC is fully committed to finding ways to combat the ever-increasing problem of pollution. This is a major step forward and through this initiative we hope to lead the way for other corporates to adopt an environmentally friendly approach in the way they do business."" He said.

He concluded by saying that Tasjeel, which is another subsidiary of ENOC Group, will conduct the technical testing of abras operating between the two banks of the Creek under the supervision of RTA. This will be done in accordance with the maximum global conditions stipulated for engine exhausts. The Group also signed an agreement to provide commercial services to the Electronic Tariff System (SALIK) within the plan developed by RTA to introduce the system.