The government of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE signed a 25-year concession agreement with Hutchison Ports, under which Hutchison will operate and develop the Saqr Port container terminal facilities.
A celebratory ceremony was held on November 6, in the presence Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
In his address, Sheikh Saud said: One of our objectives in Ras Al Khaimah is to create a business infrastructure that will attract investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. Hutchison Ports RAK and its plans for future development of the Saqr Port facilities are a key piece in our logistics strategy which will encourage those with interest to make the commitment to Ras Al Khaimah. This partnership is one more indicator that Ras Al Khaimah is committed to offering the infrastructure, services and skilled workforce that allows commerce and industry to thrive in the emirate.”
The terminal will be operated by Hutchison Ports RAK, and comprises a four-berth, 350,000 twenty equivalent units (TEU) facility featuring an 800m long quay with a depth of 12m, in addition to a 20ha yard.
Eric Ip, managing director of Hutchison Ports, said: We are excited to have the opportunity to invest and operate a container terminal facility that is situated in a gateway location and is home to the worlds largest ceramics manufacturer. Ras Al Khaimah has a strong export base, with many fine shippers of ceramics, pharmaceuticals, glass, cement, crushed rock and other products. These companies can now take advantage of a less congested and more sustainable multimodal shipping route to Jebel Ali and beyond. Meanwhile, by frequenting Hutchison Ports RAK, local hauliers will have a shorter delivery route that allows them to make more trips every day.
The Hutchison Ports RAK terminal neighbours the RAK Maritime City Free Zone, and is well positioned with respect to the industrial areas and free zones at Al Hamra and Al Ghail.
Saqr Port is Ras Al Khaimahs primary commercial port and is in the process of having its overall capacity significantly increased. In a two-phase project scheduled to be completed in April 2019 two deep water berths are being added capable of handling capesize vessels. The project will make Saqr Port one of the largest bulk handing ports in the world.