The main element of the lump sum design and build contract calls for the construction of concrete-armoured breakwaters, dredging of the main intake channel, shoreline protection, and external works, including retaining walls, roads and drainage.

The system will supply industries in Sohar with 334,000 cubic metres an hour of water in phase 1. A second phase of expansion may be required to serve the aluminium smelter, and power and desalination plant projects proposed for Sohar. Work is expected to take 28 months to complete.

The front-end engineering and design (FEED) package was carried out by Germany's Fichtner, which is also acting as the project management consultant.