Khalifa Port in Expansion Mode (UAE)

Construction of EMAL’s Phase II expansion is more than 70% complete and on schedule to meet its December 2013 deadline.

Cooperation with Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) is helping to ensure that the expansion of Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) into one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelters is on target.

Almost half of the containers of vital equipment had been unloaded and delivered to the EMAL Al Taweelah complex, in the six months prior to February 2013.

Khalifa Port’s integrated logistics – which includes radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and automated gates – have contributed significantly towards this rapid progress.

By the time construction is due to be completed in December this year, around 5,000 containers destined for the EMAL complex, will have entered the port, passed through customs and been transported directly to the site.

By February 2013, 2,408 containers had been successfully transported through Khalifa Port (1,192 twenty feet containers and 1,216 forty feet ones) delivering more than 67,000 tonnes of state-of-the-art equipment for the expansion of the industrial flagship.

Khalifa Port’s technology has helped to speed up delivery, allowing trucks to make two deliveries of containers every day (at 0700 and 1500 hours) to the site, which minimises the number of trucks required.

Commenting on the latest developments EMAL’s Vice President – Projects, Yousuf Bastaki, said: “One of the reasons for this success is the partnership we have developed with ADPC, which has enabled the smooth and efficient transportation of the vital equipment needed to build one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelters. Such local partnerships highlight the unity that exists within the UAE to deliver world-leading projects which will provide the foundation for our future economic prosperity.”

Exceptionally large bulk pieces such as compressors, modules, transformers and turbines are currently discharged at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi and barged directly to Khalifa Port and then discharged at EMAL’s construction jetty.

ADPC’s customer service team provide a dedicated service to support EMAL’s Phase II construction project.

Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Vice President Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi Ports Company adds: “EMAL is an anchor tenant at Kizad industrial zone, with a dedicated berth at Khalifa Port and is very much regarded as ADPC’s strategic partner.

“EMAL’s purpose built wharf at Khalifa Port shortens the supply chain of raw materials direct from sea to smelter. We have worked closely with the company to provide the very best logistic solutions for the delivery of its Phase II construction materials through all of ADPC’s ports.

“We look forward to congratulating EMAL on the completion of its Phase II expansion and to supporting the company’s progress in support of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 diversification strategy.”

[mappress]

Press Release,  August 26, 2013