Ministry of Transport to Advance New Marine Lift at Eilat Port

The Ministry of Transport, through the Israel Ports Company, is promoting a plan to operate a marine lift for small vessels at Eilat Port. This is a crucial step to ensure the continuation of maritime sports in the southern city, which includes maintenance, storage (bringing vessels into dry dock for maintenance and repairs), and sailing services.

A marine lift is a unique maritime facility designed for lifting and lowering vessels from the water for treatment, repair, maintenance, or storage. The facility provides essential services such as hull cleaning, body repairs, safety checks, and dry storage, and constitutes a basic infrastructure for any organized and safe sailing activity.

The new lift is set to serve about 375 small vessels anchored at Eilat Port, including vessels for leisure, sports, and vacation activities, and constitutes a critical infrastructure for both the local sailing community and the many visitors to the city.

The lift plan was approved for deposit last week by the Southern District Committee. Now, the Ministry of Transport, through the Israel Ports Company, is launching a tender process to find a franchisee who will establish and operate the lift for a period of up to 15 years, with the possibility of extending for an additional five years, until a permanent facility is established at a designated location in the municipal marina complex.

In parallel, the Ministry is promoting a long-term agreement with the chosen franchisee, for the benefit of all users, including commercial vessels, tourism entities, government bodies, foreign fleets, and government ministries such as the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Nature and Parks Authority, and the Ministry of Defense.

The operation will be carried out in accordance with strict environmental guidelines, and in coordination with the Eilat Municipality, the Shipping and Ports Authority, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the Nature and Parks Authority. In addition, it includes clear clauses to prevent damage to the coral reef and local fish, thereby preserving one of Israel's unique and sensitive natural resources.

Transport Minister Miri Regev said: 'This is a significant step to strengthen and develop the sailing sector in Eilat, with an emphasis on light sailing activities for leisure, sports, and more. The Ministry of Transport is committed to enabling accessible maritime transport for the general public, not just for the rich. The residents of the south deserve advanced maritime infrastructures, leisure activities, and a significant hobby, with the aim of strengthening maritime activity for the residents of Eilat and its visitors, from Israel and around the world.'

The CEO of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, Moshe Ben Zaken, said: 'The Red Sea is one of Israel's important natural assets, and the Eilat Marina plays a central role in all types of activity in it. The Ministry of Transport sees great importance in developing maritime infrastructures in Eilat. An orderly, legal, and safe lift is a basic condition for the continuation of maritime activity in the city, both for the light sailing sectors and for professional bodies whose maritime activity is part of their work. We will continue to work in cooperation with all parties to strengthen the city of Eilat - at sea, in the air, and on land.'

The CEO of the Israel Ports Company, Pino Tsruya, said: 'After years of extensions and uncertainty, the promotion of the plan finally regulates the operation of the lift, while improving the service, preserving the coastal environment, and promoting permanent solutions. The move also supports the maritime shuttle project that we are currently promoting together with the Ministry of Tourism.'