The Dutch ports operator has taken over security responsibility at the Bahrain Gateway port, which will open on 1 April. The site is expected to receive its first container vessels by the middle of that month. APMT finalised its agreement with the government on 1 February, with the two sides to formalise their contract at an official signing ceremony within the month.

After a number of delays in its construction, Khalifa Bin Salman takes over as Bahrain’s principle marine gateway from the old Mina Salman Port, which APMT has operated since December 2006. The Dutch ports operator takes over on a 25-year concession.

The site will have initial container capacity for 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The port has a quayside depth of 15 metres, while the channel into the port is being deepened from 13.8m to 15m.