UPC hands over Mussafah channel
01 March 2011
ABU DHABI’S Urban Planning Council (UPC) has completed construction of the 53-km-long Mussafah Channel and handed it over to Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) for operational use.
UPC commissioned the construction of the channel to provide a safe navigation access channel with increased air draft (water depth) to service the Mussafah Industrial Zone and future ICAD (Industrial City of Abu Dhabi) areas.
The channel is located just off the south-western shoreline of Hudayriat Island, to the west of the industrial area, and leads to the open sea. The project has now replaced the existing access channel to Mussafah Industrial Area, which will be used only by smaller ships in the near future.
“The completion of the Mussafah Channel is a major milestone in the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 implementation process, as the government continues to invest in vital infrastructure enhancement projects,” said UPC general manager Falah Al Ahbabi.
“The increased depth of the new channel will provide greater economic opportunities to the existing Mussafah Industrial Zone by allowing a significant expansion of operations and penetration into the global markets, which will in turn have a positive impact on Abu Dhabi’s economy.”
Developed at an investment of Dh1.5 billion ($408 million), the channel required dredging a volume of 65 million cu m. The minimum depth is 9 m at lowest tide, and the minimum width is 200 m. The channel dimensions allow for two-way vessel traffic of large Panamax-type bulk carriers.
The UPC engaged National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC) to undertake the dredging works. NMDC utilised up to seven of its heavy-duty cutter suction dredgers and two trailing suction hopper dredgers to meet the high production rates required to complete the works.
Environmental considerations were paramount for the project as the channel passes through the Bul Sayeef marine protected area, significant for its seagrass community and thriving marine habitat including dugongs.
An environmental impact assessment was completed by UPC for the project in accordance with regulatory requirements.
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