Float your boat – traditional Dubai craft powered by biodiesel
Dubai’s Public Transport Agency (RTA) together with ENOC Group embarked on a pilot to power traditional Abras using biodiesel.
The CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan said the initiative of using Biodiesel5 to fuel traditional Abras was part of RTA’s plans to curb harmful emissions.
“We have embarked on this project in collaboration with ENOC Group and drafted an agreement whereby ENOC would supply biodiesel to five traditional Abras run by private operators. Abras would be refuelled at a specific point on the Dubai Creek where all safety precautions had been taken. We had agreed on a three-month pilot period, which would be followed by a result assessment and consider next steps,” said Bahrozyan.
“We had also agreed on a specific grade of biofuel, Biodiesel5, which is an advanced alternative fuel product approved in the UAE. It is manufactured from vegetable oils as well as residues of cooking and animal oils. Since it is extracted from renewable sources, it reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the city and promotes the provision of clean and sustainable services to the community.”
Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of ENOC Group, praised the continued cooperation with RTA and the signing of the latest agreement.
He added: “At ENOC, we continue to build on our successful partnerships with various government entities; and our agreement with RTA is a testament to our commitment to offer our stakeholders alternative clean energy solutions that will curb carbon footprint.
“Biodiesel5 is an alternative fuel that has enabled us to promote sustainable best practices, enhance operational efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.”
There are 148 traditional Abras operated by the private sector in Dubai Creek on two lines.
Abras carry about 13 million passengers per year, which constitutes about 90% to the total marine transport ridership in Dubai. Traditional Abras are currently fitted with diesel engines of 30hp that consume about 1.1 million litres of fuels annually.
The CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan said the initiative of using Biodiesel5 to fuel traditional Abras was part of RTA’s plans to curb harmful emissions.
“We have embarked on this project in collaboration with ENOC Group and drafted an agreement whereby ENOC would supply biodiesel to five traditional Abras run by private operators. Abras would be refuelled at a specific point on the Dubai Creek where all safety precautions had been taken. We had agreed on a three-month pilot period, which would be followed by a result assessment and consider next steps,” said Bahrozyan.
“We had also agreed on a specific grade of biofuel, Biodiesel5, which is an advanced alternative fuel product approved in the UAE. It is manufactured from vegetable oils as well as residues of cooking and animal oils. Since it is extracted from renewable sources, it reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the city and promotes the provision of clean and sustainable services to the community.”
Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of ENOC Group, praised the continued cooperation with RTA and the signing of the latest agreement.
He added: “At ENOC, we continue to build on our successful partnerships with various government entities; and our agreement with RTA is a testament to our commitment to offer our stakeholders alternative clean energy solutions that will curb carbon footprint.
“Biodiesel5 is an alternative fuel that has enabled us to promote sustainable best practices, enhance operational efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.”
There are 148 traditional Abras operated by the private sector in Dubai Creek on two lines.
Abras carry about 13 million passengers per year, which constitutes about 90% to the total marine transport ridership in Dubai. Traditional Abras are currently fitted with diesel engines of 30hp that consume about 1.1 million litres of fuels annually.
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