Ras Al Khaimah Ports in US$ 1billion expansion to unveil detailed plans at Ship & Port Arabia 2005

Addressing a press conference in Ras Al Khaimah to re-affirm its support to Ship & Port Arabia 2005, organised by the Dubai-based Al Fajer Information & Services at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC), Mr. .Mohammed A. Al Mehrizi, General Director of the Customs and Ports Department, Government of Ras Al Khaimah said: "We have developed a comprehensive plan to expand the facilities at the ports of Ras Al Khaimah as part of our commitment to improve and install modern facilities to drive more growth and increase our contribution to the economy."

He said the expansion plan covered all ports of Ras Al Khaimah - Saqr Port, Ras Al Khaimah Port, Al Jazeerah Al Hamra Port and Ras Al Darah Port. "We see Ship & Port Arabia 2005 as an ideal platform to further communicate the details of our expansion strategy. We have already rolled out some of the expansion plans and we are confident that the comprehensive strategy will help the ports notch up higher productivity and growth."

All four ports of Ras Al Khaimah will be participating at Ship & Port Arabia 2005 under the umbrella of Customs and Ports Department, Government of Ras Al Khaimah.

Commenting on the significance of Ship & Port Arabia 2005, Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information & Services, said: "The three-day show holds tremendous significance for the regional maritime economy with many dynamic developments taking place. The show will offer a veritable in-depth view of the maritime industry and the opportunities it presents to investors."

"Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Customs and Ports Department, Government of Ras Al Khaimah for their support to Ship & Port Arabia. We are confident that the expo will provide the port authorities an industry-leading platform to highlight the advantages and modern facilities of Ras Al Khaimah ports," Mr. Khanna said.

The exhibition will not only showcase latest products and services, but will also provide an ideal environment for networking with professionals and accessing world-class technologies. The show is expected to have a wide spectrum of visitors including ship owners, equipment suppliers, ship and accessory manufacturers and logistics professionals. Top executives from the marine fishing industry, shipyards, harbours and port authorities, shipping and trading firms will also attend. Major shipping companies from across the world will also take part in the expo.

Apart from Ras Al Khaimah Port, the show is also supported by Dubai Ports Authority, Abu Dhabi Port Authority, Sharjah Port Authority, Saudi Ports Authority and Dubai Shipping Agents Association.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Al Mehrizi said: "Our plan for Al Jazeerah Al Hamra Port includes development of container and general cargo services with Qeshem Free Trade Zone and Bandar Abbas, Iran. We will also acquire more handling equipment and increase the depth of approach channel and inner harbour to eight metres. We will have in place Synchro Lift for ship lifting and implement ISO 14001 systems for the port," he said.

Mr. Al Mehrizi said the department has added four new powerful mobile cranes, the biggest in the region, at the Saqr Port, which has increased the efficiency of cargo loading and discharging and the capacity has reached 60,000 tonnes a year. RAK Government has signed an agreement with an international investing company, Kuwait Gulf and Transport Link to operate a station for containers where a new infrastructure will be established at berth no 1-4 including new office premises.

"Many development initiatives are also taking place at the Ras Al Khaimah Port, starting with a new passenger terminal which is ready. Two high speed passenger ferries with a capacity of 40 seats has also been acquired from China at a US$2 million to offer passenger and cargo transportation services from Al Khor Port to Qeshem and Kish. In the second stage, we will build a bigger ferry to carry passengers and cargo to Bandar Abbas," he said.