Ashdod Port Maritime Connectors Approved

Significant strengthening of the Israeli energy economy. The plan of the Ministry of Transport and the Israel Ports Company (IPC) to establish marine connectors (underwater connections) at the Port of Ashdod was approved today (Monday) in the plenum of the National Infrastructure Committee (VATAL). This, after professional and intensive work by the Ministry of Transport and the Israel Ports Company.
The plan constitutes a central pillar in strengthening the functional continuity of the Israeli energy economy, both in routine and in emergencies. As part of its implementation, old marine fuel lines will be replaced by marine connectors with new lines, meeting the most advanced engineering and environmental standards, including systems for settling fuel vapors, in order to significantly reduce air pollution and environmental risk.
The plan was promoted in accordance with the government’s decision to examine and plan the establishment of port infrastructure for the import of crude oil, fuel distillates, and gas (LPG) in the Ashdod Port area, and to bring it for approval by the authorized planning institutions. Minister Regev assigned the task to the Israel Ports Company, which operated on an extremely fast schedule for examination, planning, and promotion of a statutory plan in VATAL.
In addition, the plan allows for the establishment of dedicated infrastructure for the import and export of LPG in the Ashdod Port area, in accordance with the government’s decision, thereby supporting the national move to close the refinery complex in the Haifa Bay. This is a project of national importance, managed by the Prime Minister’s Office, whose goal is to reduce air pollution in Haifa Bay, alongside freeing up hundreds of dunams for urban development and high-quality residential construction.
Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Miri Regev: “The approval of the plan to establish marine connectors at the Port of Ashdod is a strategic step to strengthen Israel’s energy security in routine and emergency. This is advanced, safe, and more environmentally friendly infrastructure that will replace old lines and significantly reduce environmental risks and air pollution. This is the realization of a government decision of national importance, which was promoted on a fast schedule thanks to the professional and thorough work of the Ministry of Transport and the Israel Ports Company.”
Director General of the Ministry of Transport, Moshe Ben Zaken: “The plan approved today reflects long-term planning and national responsibility for Israel’s energy and maritime transport economy. The marine connectors will meet the most advanced engineering and environmental standards, and will contribute to safety, functional continuity, and the reduction of environmental nuisances. In addition, this is complementary infrastructure to the national move to close the refineries in Haifa Bay and to promote high-quality urban development.”
Director General of the Israel Ports Company, *Pinchas Tzurya: “This is a project of the highest national importance, which strengthens the independence of Israel’s energy economy and its ability to function continuously both in routine and in emergencies. The Israel Ports Company operated on a fast schedule and in cooperation with all parties, in order to promote modern, safe, and more environmentally friendly infrastructure, which also supports the national move to reduce pollution in Haifa Bay.”
VP of Strategic Planning, Michal Tuchler Aharoni: “Promoting the plan for fuel and LPG connectors in the Ashdod port area required complex planning and engineering coordination with a wide range of infrastructure, environmental, and regulatory bodies. The plan offers a robust solution for upgrading marine energy infrastructure, while meeting advanced environmental standards, reducing risks, and supporting the functional continuity of the energy economy.”