EGA starts using mega Capesize vessels to import bauxite
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) recently announced the arrival of the first fully-laden Capesize vessel to call at any GCC port at its quay at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, inaugurating the import of bauxite for EGA’s new Al Taweelah alumina refinery using these huge bulk cargo vessels.
EGA imports bauxite ore from the Republic of Guinea to supply Al Taweelah alumina refinery, and using Capesize vessels reduces shipping costs per tonne.
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. The approaches have been deepened from 16.5m to 18.5m draft and widened from 250m to 280m.
With a draft of 18.2m fully-laden, Capesize vessels are amongst the largest bulk cargo ships in the world. Capesize vessels are up to 300m long – more than the length of two football fields – and 50m wide. They can carry around 180,000 tonnes of bauxite ore.
“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,” remarked Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, EGA.
“Our investment in deepening and widening the channel has created better business opportunities for all partners, including CSP Abu Dhabi, which recently received one of the largest container vessels at Khalifa Port with a capacity of 21,000 TEU,” commented Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Ports.
EGA’s Al Taweelah Alumina refinery is the first in the UAE and only the second in the Middle East. The plant converts bauxite ore into alumina, the feedstock for aluminium smelters, and is expected to meet 40% EGA’s alumina needs once fully ramped-up. EGA invested around US$ 3.3bn to build the Al Taweelah alumina refinery, which commented production in April 2019.
Khalifa Port is located halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and is one of the most efficient and technologically advanced in the world, currently serving 25 shipping lines.
