This comes as part of the first phase of operations at the port, Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar) has said.
Az Kunming is a high-submersible barge that has a length of 114m, width of 31m and depth of 5.5m. It docked at the port from 11am until 3.35pm yesterday. The docking process was carried out with the help of towing vessel Victoria TUG, which is 30.14m long and 9.20m wide .
Smooth docking operations form part of the Ministry of Transport and Communications' plans to develop the Al Ruwais port, according to a statement. Currently, navigation and other operations are being carried out efficiently at the port and there is heightened activity to implement the plans.
Development of the port is also aimed at boosting economic and business activities in the northern parts of the country, besides providing additional platforms to receive further amounts of gabbro - a key material for various infrastructure projects undertaken in the country in preparation for the 2022 Fifa World Cup, the statement notes.
Mwani Qatar is also set to implement the second phase of the Al Ruwais port development project, which includes the construction of the "port market", increasing the capacity of the port and building all necessary attachments and facilities.
This will be followed by the third phase, wherein the navigation channel and basin of the port will be widened and deepened (up to 10m). This is aimed at easing the entry of all types of small- and medium-sized ships as well as tourist vessels in order to help boost the volume of trade among countries in the region.
