RTA in cooperation with Emirates Gas conducts pilot operation of 3 Abras on CNG

The project is viewed as part of the keen attention of two parties to improve and upgrade marine transport service by the traditional abras between the two banks of Dubai Creek.

The launch ceremony and the press conference was witnessed by Engineer Essa Abdul Rahman Al Dossari, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, Engineer Khalid Mohammad Al Zahid, Acting CEO of the Marine Agency, Laila Mohammad Taher, Director of the Chairman Office and Engineer Ahmad Al Hammadi, Director of Operation & Performance.

Attendants from Emirates Gas Co., which is undertaking the project of transforming abra engines from diesel to CNG, included H.E. Saeed Khoory, CEO of ENOC Group, Yousr Sultan, CEO of Navigation, Storage & Gas, and Khalid Hadi, Director of the Group's Media & Marketing and Hesham Mustafa, General Manager of EMGAS in addition to departmental directors & officials from the two sides.

"Operating abras on CNG has multiple benefits that span to cover economical, environmental, security and safety aspects. Considering the environmental impact, the project will contribute to cutting environmental pollution caused by the rising columns of smoke generated from diesel-operated abra engines by 66%. It also reduces emissions of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and dioxide from abra exhausts, and reduces engines noise. Using environment-friendly operation systems is part of the key objectives of Dubai Government Strategic Plan and RTA Strategic Plan,"

said Al Tayer.

He added that the project economic implications of the project include slashing fuel costs by 30%, i.e. around one million dirham annually, and expands the lifetime of the engine, compared to diesel-operated abra, as it is lead-free. He pointed out that the design of CNG-operated engine includes three cooling chambers working at variable levels so as to reduce engine pressure during extended periods of operation. Moreover, CNG abra engines are characterized by their compact size, high efficiency, easy maintenance, and lack of oil spill compared to diesel engines.

H.E. the Chairman & Executive Director of the RTA stated that abras operated by CNG are safer than those operated by diesel, as CNG used in abras is neither inflammable nor explosive. In the event of gas leakage or overflow it is also safe, thanks to the automatic shutter system.

Al Tayer further commented that work in the project started once the agreement was signed in last May. It took around six months to fit the new engines in the three abras. The pilot operation will be for one year during which abras will commute passengers between four stations, namely: Al Sabkha, Dubai Old Souk, Deira Old Souk, and Bur Dubai. The three abras have distinctive green colour.

"In case the operation of the three abras goes smoothly to our satisfaction, RTA will consider generalize introduction of fuel alternative to various marine transport systems of the RTA" Al Tayer said in a concluding remark.

H.E. Saeed Khoory, CEO of ENOC Group expressed his delight over the unveiling of the latest environmental-friendly in conjunction with the RTA. "The project of transforming abra engines to operate on CNG instead of diesel represents a quality shift through which Emirates Gas - one of ENOC company- sets new standards of sustained development and preserving environment safety.

"This project also reflects our renewed commitment towards environment and developing clean energy that meets the requirements of the accelerated project witnessed by the emirate of Dubai. The Group will save no effort in boosting the use of CNG and promoting it as a clean future fuel through providing the required infrastructure that enables consumers to drop other types of fuel and take on CNG," said Khoory.

Engineer Khalid Al Zahid, Acting CEO of RTA Marine Agency stated that RTA has enlightened abra operators on the importance of the study and trial and introduced them to the benefits that will accrue to them and the emirate of Dubai as well as a result of shifting to CNG. RTA will also follow-up the results of the experiment with the operators and Emirates Gas.

"Emirates Gas has replaced the engines of three abras operated by diesel and fitted them with CNG operated engines. The Co. will refill the gas cylinders with the CNG at an ad hoc station located at abra berthing area and abra operators will be trained on the use of the CNG in operating their abras. All security and safety principles are well attended to in accordance with the international standards and in full compliance with all statutes, rules and regulations governing operation of abras.