ABU DHABI - The Department of Transport, DoT, announced that it has completed the Yas channel expansion project just before the start of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The project included some dredging work to ensure the safety of the passing yachts towards Yas Marina.

The shallow channel entrance has been deepened to six metres and its width expanded from 130 to 260 metres. This will consequently enhance the level of safety in this waterway to preserve the marine environment and ensure the safety of seagoers.

DoT has finished the project ahead of the schedule in aim to facilitate the marine navigation movement and enhance the safety of maritime transport just before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 that is hosted annually at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. F1 is one of the major events that attract numerous number of people from all over the world.

Captain Saif Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Maritime Sector at DoT, pointed out that the department strived to implement the project in a timely manner according to the highest standards and practices.

Al Muhairi added that the project supports the major tourism events hosted in Abu Dhabi and said that the expansion of the channel preserves the safety of the maritime transport and attracts the public. The project comes in time that Abu Dhabi witnesses an increasing interest in maritime leisure activities.

The maintained part of Yas Channel is 14 km in length, 130 in width and 6 metres in depth at least, and its capacity has been increased to accommodate super yachts up to 180 metres.

It is expected that Yas Channel will attract more than 400 luxurious yachts during Formula1 and it will result in a great positive impact on the maritime leisure sector.

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2019.