Israel’s Ministry of Transportation has announced plans to construct a new slipway at the Eilat Marina, aimed at enhancing support for small vessels used in leisure, sports, and recreational activities. The move is seen as vital for maintaining the maritime infrastructure that underpins both local and tourist boating in the southern city.
A slipway, also known as a boat ramp or marine haul-out facility, enables vessels to be raised from and lowered into the water for critical services such as hull cleaning, maintenance, safety inspections, and storage. It is considered essential for safe and regulated sailing activities.
“This is an essential step to ensure the continuation of water sports activities in the southern city, which includes maintenance, collection (bringing vessels to the dock for maintenance and repairs), and boating services,” said the Ministry of Transportation in a statement.
The new marina facility is expected to serve approximately 375 small vessels currently anchored at the Port of Eilat, supporting not only private users but also a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries and environmental agencies.
Alongside the slipway, the ministry is also promoting a long-term operating agreement with a private franchisee, who will oversee the facility for the benefit of all users. This includes commercial and tourism vessels, foreign fleets, and Israeli ministries such as:
- Ministry of Environmental Protection
- Nature and Parks Authority
- Ministry of Defense
The project reflects Israel’s broader commitment to enhancing marine infrastructure while supporting sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship in key coastal regions like Eilat.