Abu Dhabi Ports has announced the completion of the second phase of the expansion work at its Delma Port.

Aimed at extending the port’s capability to benefit both the region and the local community’s recreational, fishing and commercial needs, the project will significantly facilitate the movement of landing craft vessels, passenger ferries, pleasure boats, and fishing boats through the new facility.

Abu Dhabi Ports is leading the developments of Al Dhafra’s premier multi-purpose port and other key maritime infrastructure in the emirate.

A key focus of the second phase of the development was the construction of a dedicated 315-m quay wall, which together with several modern onsite facilities, were designed to specifically satisfy the demands of Delma Island’s and Al Dhafra region’s long-standing maritime community, said Abu Dhabi Ports.

Capable of accommodating up to 60 boats, the expansion project will allow the region’s recreational and commercial vessels to easily transfer and relocate from the old Delma Port to the new port, it added.

When Phase One of the new port was inaugurated in 2017 as a modern replacement of the old port, it featured a 103-m-long quay for a ferry terminal that meets the commercial and community requirements of Delma Island, a marina with 160 wet berths and 104 dry berths for fishing and recreational craft, a repair yard, an administration building, a fish market, and the Adnoc marine fuelling station, making it one of the largest multi-purpose ports in Al Dhafra.

The second phase also saw the creation of a new protection breakwater that will shelter the northern half of the harbour which, as part of the project, was dredged to 6 m in depth.

Other key highlights of the project are: relocation of Etisalat marine cables surrounding Delma Port; completion of a navigational study; construction of interconnecting roads, pavement and an ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) fence; and, installation of service utilities such as potable water and solar streetlights.

In addition, the project included installation of coastal protection for the Delma Ladies Club, at the request of Al Dhafra municipality.