Posted on December 11, 2017
By Sarah Townsend, The National
Abu Dhabi Ports, which runs the UAE’s US$7 billion Khalifa Port, has signed an agreement with state aluminium producer Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to import bauxite using the world’s largest bulk cargo ships.
Under the deal, Abu Dhabi Ports will dredge and widen channels to allow large vessels to berth fully laden directly at Khalifa Port, the two parties said on Saturday.
The long-term port facility agreement will enable the import of bauxite, the world’s main source of aluminium, through Khalifa Port to EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi, using ‘Capesize’ vessels – the largest dry cargo vessels, typically above 150,000 deadweight tonnage.
“Dredging Khalifa Port to allow fully laden Capesize vessels to reach EGA’s berth will reduce our costs, simplify our bauxite supply chain, and improve our environmental performance,” said Abdulla Kalban, managing director and chief executive of EGA.
“The enhanced capabilities at Khalifa Port will enable broader trade and economic benefits for Abu Dhabi.”
The agreement will also make Abu Dhabi Ports the first in the Arabian Gulf capable of directly handling such massive ships, the parties said.
Source: The National
