Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) last week announced the arrival of Cape Taweelah, the first fully-laden Capesize vessel to call at any GCC port at its quay at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Ports has modified the approaches to Khalifa Port to accommodate Capesize vessels bound for EGA, making it the first port in the Gulf able to accommodate these fully-loaded ships.
Under the development project, the approaches have been deepened from 16.5 meters to 18.5 meters draft and widened from 250 meters to 280 meters.
Commenting the latest news, Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EGA , said: “The arrival of Cape Taweelah is a landmark moment for EGA, but these huge ships will become a familiar sight at Khalifa Port over the years ahead. We are glad Abu Dhabi Ports addressed our need to bring Capesize vessels to our quay and decided to further develop the capabilities of Khalifa Port, also benefitting trade in Abu Dhabi and the UAE more broadly.”
With a draft of 18.2 meters fully-laden, Capesize vessels are amongst the largest bulk cargo ships in the world.
At other ports, Capesize vessels must be partially unloaded offshore before they can dock at the port safely, EGA said in its release.