Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently launched a testing phase for running traditional abras on biofuel made from vegetable, cooking and animal oils. This initiative is for a three-month pilot phase. If this is successful, it will be implemented for all148
Enoc would supply the eco-friendly fuel to power five abras run by private operators. The RTA and Enoc will use a specific grade of biofuel called Biodiesel5.
Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the public transport agency, stated that “During the trial, we would be measuring the carbon emissions of biofuel-powered Abras in comparison with regular diesel-powered Abras. Should the experiment prove successful, it would be generalized to the entire fleet of 148 Abras operating on Dubai Creek. Such a step contributes to RTA’s strategic goal (Safety and Environmental Sustainability). It reduces carbon emission on Dubai Creek by 125 tons of CO2 per annum that is equivalent to growing 2000 trees for 10 years.”
Statistics state that currently Abras consume about 1.1 million litres of fuels per annum.
