ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Ports on Tuesday announced the launch of its digital vessel management system to offer customers and stakeholders complete automation of all vessel management processes and services through its Port Community System, Maqta Gateway. Vessels arriving at any of Abu Dhabi’s commercial ports can use the system for registration, voyage declaration, vessel call requests, as well as requesting port clearance, marine services, berth shifting among others, according to Abu Dhabi Ports.
“The vessel management system was built around the needs of local industries and will play an integral role in streamlining and facilitating the import and export activities at our commercial ports, further boosting Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading maritime trade hub in the region,” Captain Mohammad Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said in a statement. Shipping agents representing vessels operating in Khalifa Port, Musaffah Port, Zayed Port and the Free Ports have concluded the vessel management training module conducted by the Maqta Gateway team in September ahead of its full implementation this month, Abu Dhabi Ports stated.
The new development comes as Abu Dhabi Ports focuses on increasing capacity at Khalifa Port and build a new terminal. The company last week signed a 35 year concession agreement with Chinese firm Cosco Shipping to build and operate a terminal at Khalifa Port that will add 2.4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to the existing capacity of 2.5 million TEUs at the Port.
