Sheikh Saud commissions four new berths at Saqr Port in RAK

Sheikh Saud also opened the new office of RAK Customs and Ports Department at the Saqr Port and commissioned a hi-tech container scanning system set up at the port.

The four newly constructed berths have a total length of 795 metres and would increase the cargo handling capacity of Saqr Port substantially.

General Manager of Saqr Port Authority, Captain Ibrahim A Al Tunaiji said that the expansion works implemented at the port would enhance the logistic capabilities of Ras Al Khaimah in a big way and would help Saqr Port achieve its vision of becoming a leading port in the region.

He said that Saqr Port has undertaken an ambitious expansion programme over the last four years involving a total investment of AED 221 million to facilitate efficient handling of containers, bulk and general cargo.

The port has recently added a brand new container terminal with a capacity to handle 350,000 TEUs developed by the Kuwait- based KGL Ports International (KGLPI), the soft opening of which was done in January 2007. With the commissioning of the four new berths, Saqr Port now has 12 berths with KGLPI operating its container terminal in four berths and the rest operated by the Saqr Port Authority.

He said that the Saqr Port has registered a 107 percent increase in cargo handling over the last four years, handling 22.2 million tonnes in 2006, up from 10.7 million tonnes in 2002. "The port has been able to achieve significant growth rates reflecting the fast paced development activities currently taking place in RAK. The figures show a very robust growth rate with an increment of 107 percent in the last four years and an annual growth of more than 30 percent," he added.

The port has also signed contracts for the purchase of advanced operational equipments to improve the loading and discharging rates including a 1500 tonne per hour capacity Liebherr harbour mobile crane and a 1000 tonne/ hour crane which would be commissioned in June 2007. This would be in addition to the two mobile loaders which would enter service in October 2007, taking the total number of mobile harbour cranes to eight.

According to Capt. Tunaiji, a contract has been signed with a Dutch firm to supply a harbour tug boat with a capacity of 4000 horse power which would be delivered in March 2008, taking the total number of tug boats operating at Saqr Port to five.

The hi-tech container scanning machine which was also commissioned at the Port on the occasion has a capacity to scan up to 200 containers per hour.

"The new container scanning system, installed at a cost of AED 8 million, would complement the development of the Saqr Port and the new container terminal by speeding up the customs inspection process", Mohammad A Al Mehrizi, Director-General of the RAK Customs and Ports Department said.

Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Ruler's Private Affairs Department, Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Customs and Ports Department, other sheiks and a number of dignitaries were present on the occasion.