Abu Dhabi inks Halcrow deal for port revamp

Marine facilities at Shahama Port in Abu Dhabi are to be redeveloped as part of an upgrade of the port's leisure and recreation services, it has been announced. Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) said in a statement that it has signed an announcement with Halcrow to "provide consultancy services to revive the area, adding value to the port and surrounding community". Works will involve an upgrade of the Shahama Port water basin and land site, followed by the development of sales and service facilities for small marine craft, marine and water clubhouse activities in the basin area, in addition to commercial, recreational and leisure activities. Waleed Al Tamimi, VP Project Development, ADPC, said: "The area around Shahama Port is well loved by recreational boat users and this upgrade of the port's facilities will be of great benefit to the community and leisure sailors alike. "While Khalifa Port will become the chief focal point of Abu Dhabi's port activities over the coming decades, the emirate's smaller ports remain just as important, and we look forward to seeing the re-developed Shahama Port in use." Laurence Banyard, principal maritime engineer from Halcrow, added: "It is a great honour to be involved in developing Shahama Port, destined to be one of the capital's most popular leisure ports... we are committed to delivering the best in class services and experience for this project." Upon completion, Shahama Port will become the largest one-stop shop for leisure boat users, featuring dedicated slipways for boats and jet skies, wet and dry berthing facilities for more than 500 boats up to 100ft size, a Marina clubhouse, picnic areas, restaurants, free car parking areas, security and lifeguard facilities.