On July 6, Abu Dhabi Ports officially inaugurated Delma Port, strategically located on the eastern side of Delma Island, that is expected to serve as an upgraded multipurpose port, capable of handling cargo, passenger ferries and fishing vessels.
According to Staff Major General Pilot, Faris Khalaf Khalfan Al Mazrouei, this step is aligned with the Abu Dhabi Plan, which calls for an effective transportation system to serve the community and economy, with an emphasis on the development of sustainable sea transport.
H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “Dalma Port will play an active role in promoting economic and social growth in the Al Dhafra region, through its use as a multi-purpose port for cargo vessels, ferries and fishing boats. In addition, this port will help support the growth of the tourism sector in Dalma, the Islands and the surrounding areas”.
On the occasion, H.E. Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi added that the port is also expected to attract tourists from around the world to experience the Delma Wildlife Reserve and traditional boats, which are still, to this date, used by fisherman.
On his part, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, explained that, with a budget of over AED 170 million, the new Delma Port covers a total area of 280,725 m2, with 58,500 m2 of pavement for easy transport. It features an accessible breakwater with platform to integrate the operation of ferry terminal and CICPA facilities.
The ferry terminal has 103-m long quay wall with three fixed ramps that serve as berthing areas for ferry vessels. A marina with 160 wet berths and 104 dry berths for fishing and recreational craft was provided to support the local boat population.
Buildings and facilities such as an administration building, fish market, restaurant, public building, sheltered storage area for fishing equipment, ADNOC Marine fuelling facility, ferry terminal building and CICPA inspection facility accentuate services for the New Delma Port.
