Abu Dhabi ports will levy higher tariffs next year

Abu Dhabi Terminals, which operates four commercial seaports in Abu Dhabi, plans to increase tariffs at the ports in January next year, its CEO said.

"There will be an average 10 per cent increase in storage and handling charges," Mohammad Al Mannaei told. ADT operates Mina Zayed, Musaffah, Freeport and New Dhow Harbour seaports. ADT last increased tariffs at the seaports in January, when all port charges except those for stevedoring were revised. The port dues are levied on the basis of gross registered tonnage (GRT) of the vessels. "Even after the increases, our port charges will still be the lowest in the region. This includes comparison with Jebel Ali, Fujairah and Sharjah ports in the UAE as well," Al Mannaei said. He said the global meltdown has yet to directly affect the sea transportation sector in the UAE. "This year there has been a 50 per cent increase overall in general cargo in Mina Zayed - main components of which are building materials and pipe for the oil industry - and a 30 per increase in container activity," Al Mannaei said. He said according to the Abu Dhabi Ports Company, the developer of the Khalifa seaport in Taweelah, the port is now about 50 per cent complete. Al Mannaei added that he expected the first phase of Khalifa port to be completed on schedule in 2011. The management of Khalifa port will be shared by ADT and DP World.
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