ADPC closes in on first phase of Taweelah port

The port and industrial zone is part of the 2030 economic vision. Photo: Karim Sahib/Getty.

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Abu Dhabi Ports Company is close to completing  the first phase its Taweelah offshore port that will be able to receive 15 million containers as the emirate’s industrial expansion gathers pace.

Newspapers reported on the weekend that Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone is weeks away from a landmark first stage after spending two years dredging the area to create a deep draft, as well as reclamation of the offshore port island which will cover a 275 hectare area.

The port is an 2.7km² island, part of an industrial zone that grow to as much as 450 km² . The development will provide the import and transport network that is part of Abu Dhabi’s 2030 economic vision, which will also see the first part of the nationwide Union Railway – which will link to the zone - and the redevelopment of the city’s capital district.

Tony Douglas, chief executive of ADPC, told The National : “This is the first big visible reference that this port is here, it’s real and ready for business.”

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FEATURED COMMENT This is a magnificent move forward in Abu Dhabi's 2030 vision, ensuring future generations benefit from this project.   1 Comments Read more comments »

In April ADPC awarded a AED300 million procurement and construction contract to Larsen & Toubro, which will include the design, construction, testing and commissioning of the electrical medium voltage (MV) power supply via a 33 kV power cable network, and three 33kV / 11kV primary distribution substations, which will provide the main power supply for phase-IA of Khalifa Port.

The dredging was completed by a consortium of companies including Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Archirodon Construction and Boskalis Westminster Middle East. GHD has provided strategic land use and infrastructure planning for the entire 450km² industrial city.

In May 2008 ADPC won a diamond award by the American Council of Engineering Companies for ‘major new port with minimal environmental impact’. Its Engineering Excellence Awards program acknowledges achievements and contributions made by member engineering firms to the environment and to communities.

The first vessel is expected to visit Khalifa Port in late 2010. The Stage 1A development will include over 3.2 km of quaywalls able to accommodate a throughput of more than two million TEUs and over six million tonnes of general cargo. Four additional development phases have been planned for, increasing the overall throughput of the port to over 22 million TEUs and 35 tonnes of general, break, dry, and liquid bulk cargo by 2028.

The industrial zone will accommodate light to heavy industries, including base metals, chemicals, trade and logistics and building materials, as well as space for commercial, community developments.