Marine Transport Department accomplishes significant tasks

The Marine Transport Department is currently carrying out various activities towards strengthening the national economy following the substantial investment it made to render competitive, efficient, speedy and pollution-free service, according to Mr. Gebremedhin Habte, director general of the Department.
Asmara, 6 December 2010 – The Marine Transport Department is currently carrying out various activities towards strengthening the national economy following the substantial investment it made to render competitive, efficient, speedy and pollution-free service, according to Mr. Gebremedhin Habte, director general of the Department.

He pointed out that in line with endeavors to reinforce the investment being made in sectors of vital economic significance, the Government has purchased 2 ships, namely Aizola-Dahlak and Aluli with the capacity of accommodating 800 passengers and 250 vehicles each at a given voyage.

Noting that the Department is working tirelessly to obtain  scholarships in consultation with various universities at the regional and international level over the past 8 months, Mr. Gebremedhin explained that the training is in accordance with government proclamation, as marine transport has to assume international standards and law. A draft proposal has equally been adopted and is about to be implemented with a view to introducing new work mechanisms in ports and maritime corporations, he added.

Mr. Gebremedhin further outlined major future action plan that would focus on replacing and renovating 14 pharos in the sea, introducing advanced radio communications in Eritrean territorial waters so as to ensure the safety of passengers, modernizing Massawa Port and constructing oil jetty in Hirgigo, constructing Assab Port at modern standard, constructing additional ports that help to export mineral resource of the Red Sea and protecting the sanitation of the coastline, among others.