RAK Ports has unveiled the opening of the first of two new deep-water shipping berths at Saqr Port, one of the largest bulk-handling ports in the Middle East.

The opening of the first berth was announced at the SeaTrade Maritime Middle East 2018 conference in Dubai, with the second due to be operational in March 2019.

The deep-water berth project will allow Cape-size vessels to access the port, which already handles more than 55 million tons of cargo each year.

RAK Ports CEO Captain Cliff Brand said: “The opening of our first new berth at Saqr Port significantly increases the capacity of Saqr Port, which already handles in excess of 55 million tons of cargo per year, and with the second new berth scheduled to complete in March 2019, we envision significant growth in the number of vessel and cargo movements through Saqr Port in future years, consolidating Saqr Port’s status as one of the region’s leading bulk-handling ports.”

The first quarter of 2019 should also see the arrival of the first vessel to Ras Al Khaimah Port’s new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal in the heart of the city. The terminal is designed for boutique cruise vessels, adding to the Emirate’s growing array of tourism options.

For more information, visit www.rakports.ae.