Abu Dhabi Ports Awards Dhs20m Contract For Phase 2 Of Marfa Port

Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) announced that it has awarded a Dhs20 million contract to construction firm Alba Tec for the second phase development of the Marfa Port in Al Gharbia.

Under the deal, Alba Tec will build landside infrastructure and new marina facilities at the port. These will include an administration building, a fish-market, a supermarket, café and new restaurant building. There will also be retail units for boat maintenance businesses and dry boat parking, a statement said.

Akram Chalich, managing director of Alba Tec said: “We are committed to delivering the project on time and to the highest quality standards. All of the buildings will be sustainable, meeting the Estidama Pearl 2 rating standards using green materials and saving energy.”

The port, located at the north end of Marfa city in the Al Gharbia region, has been operational for many years, but infrastructure facilities have been limited.

A redevelopment plan, announced in August last year, is being carried out in two phases, with the first phase focused on improving the port facilities, installing floating pontoons for the fishing community and improving coastal protection.

Phase one, which was scheduled for completion by February 2014, is now almost 95 per cent complete, the statement said.

Total investment in the project reached over Dhs40 million, with phase one representing an investment of Dhs17 million, said ADPC.

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of ADPC said: “The development of Marfa Port is one of our most important projects in the Al Gharbia region. Established in the 1970s, Marfa has been a fishing port and a location for pearl diving. It is a beautiful location for tourism and substantial development is planned for the area, as part of the 2030 Economic Plan.

“The investment in port facilities and improved infrastructure will support and facilitate this development in the years ahead.”

ADPC has four ports in the Al Gharbia region including Marfa, Al Sila, Mugharrag, and Delma. The company is leading a programme of investment in each area to boost local business and increase maritime facilities.