Al Maqta Marine Fuel Station
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Project Overview
Marine vessels cruising the waterway between Abu Dhabi and the mainland can now conveniently refuel at the new Al Maqta fuel station at Rabdan Marina. Located in the Maqta Conservation Area, the project represents a major achievement in enhancing maritime infrastructure and connectivity in the nation’s historic capital.
For this project, Sigma PM Consultancy has partnered with Bower & Octant to deliver the fuel station. Our design prioritises sustainability through product longevity with minimal maintenance requirements, contributing to the city’s conservation efforts.
Fuel Station Design
Pontoon Design
Our design features a floating pontoon fabricated from marine-grade aluminium and RGP containers, selected for their resistance to saltwater corrosion. The pontoon has a distinctive aluminium under-truss design – a specialty of ours –engineered to provide longitudinal pontoon-deck rigidity and to support, distribute, and stabilise the load of the canopy, fuel dispensers, kiosk, and mooring system.
Our design prioritises sustainability through product longevity with minimal maintenance requirements, contributing to the city’s conservation efforts. The marine-grade aluminium pontoon connects to land via an aluminium gangway, which interfaces with the pontoon via a roller assembly and articulated ramp connection. The ramp incline adjusts about a hinge pin, and the free edge traverses a wear plate to accommodate tidal variation while preserving the decking finish.
Mooring Design
The marine-grade aluminium pontoon is moored using four elastic SEAFLEX® systems, featuring reinforced homogeneous rubber hawsers affixed to high-quality stainless-steel plates.
This flexible mooring design system efficiently dissipates energy compared to traditional piles, reducing maintenance requirements and improving the durability of the structure.
Amenity Design
We have constructed a primary kiosk with a slatted canopy on top of the deck to provide shade. The integrated fuel dispensers are equipped with four pumps (petrol and diesel) fitted with stainless steel spring rewind hoses. A secondary lightweight kiosk, incorporating roller shutter doors, provides storage facilities.The kiosks are fabricated from composite aluminium panels finished in ADNOC’s signature blue colour.
Project Outcomes
The Maqta Marine Fuel Station provides vessels with convenient refuelling facilities in the Rabdan Marina. The Maqta Conservation Area is a historic site and popular destination for cultural tourism in Abu Dhabi. Its location holds a symbolic significance as the island’s original gateway and land connection point to other emirates.
The 18th-century Maqta Fort and Maqta Tower, built using coral stone and other traditional materials, are enclosed by modern steel arches that comprise the Maqta and Sheikh Zayed Bridges. Designed by Pritzker Architectural Prize-winner Zaha Hadid, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge is the newest bridge to span the crossing between Abu Dhabi and the mainland.
Rabdan Marina is the latest addition to the Maqta waterfront.