Hong-Kong based Hutchison Ports has commenced operations at a new terminal at Saqr Port in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The operations will be carried out as part of a new concession agreement, which will last for the next 25 years.

Named Hutchison Ports RAK, the terminal has four berths and is capable of handling 350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of cargo.

The facility also features an 800m quay with a 20ha yard.

“Local truckers will have a shorter delivery route that allows them to make more trips every day.”

Situated near to the RAK Maritime City Free Zone and the industrial zones of Al Hamra and Al Ghail, the terminal is expected to boost local trade and economic development.

Hutchison Ports Group managing director Eric Ip said: “RAK has a strong export base, with many fine shippers of ceramics, pharmaceuticals, glass, cement, crushed rock, and other products.

“These companies can now take advantage of a less congested and more sustainable multimodal shipping route to Jebel Ali and beyond.

“Meanwhile, by frequenting Hutchison Ports RAK, local truckers will have a shorter delivery route that allows them to make more trips every day.”