Sameh Saeid
Doha
Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC) has opened Middle East's first, and the world's sixth longest conveyor belt systems, Bulk Material Handling System (BMHS), to boost efficiency and handling capacity.
QPMC Chairman Abdel Aziz al Ansari told Qatar Tribune that the new BMHS cost QR1.6 billion and is considered a multi-dimensional achievement for Qatar on the industrial, economic and social fronts.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony on Thursday at Mesaieed Port under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani.
Crown Prince of Fujairah Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed al Sharqi, including other prominent Qatari ministers, QPMC and BMHS officials, and CEOs from various government and private sector organisations were also present during the launch.
The conveyor belt stretches over 4.8 kilometres, from gabbro berths at Mesaieed Port to the storage regions and operate at a speed of 3 metres per second, shortening the travel distance to the designated storage space by 25 minutes.
As such, the new system will help cater to Qatar's growing demand for primary materials by major construction projects and will also pave the way for mutual synergies with private sector companies leading to their growth. The BHMS is an added value in terms of efficiency, capacity and energy, QPMC chairman said.
"Other benefits include upholding environmental protection and public safety while streamlining transportation of primary materials," he added.
Addressing the media during the inauguration, QPMC CEO Eisa al Hammadi, said the launch and operation of BMHS, would bring several industrial, economic and environmental benefits to major construction and infrastructure development projects in Qatar.
"It gives me a great sense of pride to mention that the launching ceremony of the BMHS has been planned around Qatar National Day concurrently with the commencement of Darb Al Saai celebrations this year," Hammadi added.