AD Ports Group today announced that Mugharraq Port, a strategic port located in the Al Dhafra Region, has been recognised as an international port facility.
Issued under the provisions of the International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (ISPS Code) by the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the port has long served as a leading maritime facility that provides a host of offshore, project/oil and gas, general cargo, logistics support, bulk and break-bulk handling services.
With the new certification, Mugharraq Port can now receive international and local vessels including container feeders, bulk and break-bulk carriers, mobile offshore drilling units, tugboats, chemical tankers, offshore support vessels, passenger ships and high-speed cargo crafts.
Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “It is our great pleasure to announce that Mugharraq Port, one of the high-performing ports located within the Al Dhafra Region, has been officially recognised as an international port facility.
“This achievement will greatly accelerate the port’s potential in securing interest from the world leaders of industry, particularly those involved in the global energy market, while simultaneously opening up new opportunities in other industries and segments for us to target.
“We look forward to reinforcing Mugharraq Port’s logistical capabilities even further, as well as cultivating the port’s reputation not only as a vital maritime facility in the Middle East but also its footprint within global trade.”
Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Port Director, Al Dhafra Region, “By receiving the distinction of an international port facility under the provisions of the ISPS Code, Mugharraq Port has further cemented its position as a strategic commercial port.
“This accomplishment is a reflection of AD Ports Group’s efforts in recent years to devise and advance a master plan for the modernisation of Al Dhafra region’s ports, which has witnessed several infrastructure enhancements catering to both commercial and recreational maritime activities.
“We would also like to share our appreciation for the leadership’s support in driving the development of industry-leading infrastructure in Al Dhafra, as well as their efforts aiming to diversify the UAE’s economy.”
AD Ports Group is close to completing an extensive expansion project aimed at enhancing Mugharraq Port’s infrastructure and service capabilities to ensure it is better positioned to support offshore and mega projects related to the oil and gas field.
The infrastructure improvements introduced include the extension of the quay wall up to 480 metres with additional berths, deepening of the facility’s depth to 8 metres, as well as the development of additional Ro-Ro ramps to a total of six and extra berths designed to support heavy lift operations.
Additionally, the port’s load-bearing factor capability has also been increased up to 15 tonnes per square metre, which in addition to supporting heavy lift activities also accelerates the movement of cargo bound for oil and gas facilities. On the landside operations of the port, new elements include the development of liquid and dry bulk pipelines, which are expected to substantially benefit oil and gas customers using Mugharraq Port.
Mugharraq Port’s enhancements, coupled with its strategic proximity to Ruwais, Hail, Ghasha, and other key upstream oil and gas projects in the region, solidify its position as an ISPS port well-equipped to meet the evolving need of international operations.
