RTA keen on natural gas for abras, fuel cost to reduce by 30 per cent

Engineer Eisa Abdul Rahman Al Dosari, CEO of Marine Agency at the RTA stated that the RTA is keen to conduct trials and studies to explore the possibility of operating abras on CNG instead of diesel considering the multiple economic & environmental benefits associated with using natural gas. This is reflected in reducing fuel costs by 30%; which is equivalent to one million dirham annually. It will also reduce the percentage of pollution resulting from smoke columns associated with diesel operation by 66%, in addition to reducing emission of harmful gases from engine exhausts of abras such as Co, CO2, Nox and So2.

"Marine Agency managed to secure approval of the Board of Directors for operating three abras on CNG. A memorandum of understanding had been signed between the RTA and Emirates Natural Gas Co regarding operation of abras on CNG," said Al Dosari.

He added that in order to highlight the corporate identity of the RTA and realize its vision in securing safe & smooth transport for all, Marine Agency made an agreement with Emarat Gas Co. to conduct experiments and studies on the possibility of operating abras on CNG. According to the agreement Marine Agency will attend to managing & operating abras, while Emarat Gas Co. will cater for switching abra engines from diesel operation to CNG operation in accordance with the approved standards and based on the technical expertise and knowhow of the Co.

"CNG has an advantage over diesel since engines operated on natural gas have longer lifetime as natural gas is free from lead. CNG operated engines are neither inflammable nor explosive, and safe even in the event of leakage or overflow as it is equipped with automatic shutter system. Additionally gas engines are of smaller size, higher efficiency, lower noise, easier maintenance, and leave no oil stains in the Creek compared to diesel engines.

Mohammed Al Attar, Director of Performance & Operations Dep't, at Marine Agency stated that arbas No. 28, 65 & 102 were selected and three CNG engines were ordered from Volkswagen Co. through Emarat Gas Co. A mobile station was ordered from Salzburg Co. through Emarat Gas Co. Abra No. 28 was transported to Salzburg Co. and CNG engines were delivered to Reintjes Co. in Jaddaf Dubai. Marine Agency selected the location on which CNG refueling station will be made in Bani Yas Station. The engine along with the gear box was fully replaced and the abra was loaded with CNG contained in a date-timed cylinder. The first abra (No 28) was initially tested at the Creek and the experiment was all success. The test was repeated and eventually the second abra (No. 102) was transported to the workshop.