The decision by Oman’s National Economy Ministry comes as a surprise, since China Harbour Engineering Company was known to be the lowest bidder on the project. The client has not made its reasons clear for choosing the Omani-Korean bid, and was unavailable for comment.

The Galfar-Daewoo joint venture also saw off competition from South Korea’s Hanjin Heavy Industries, Iran’s Saff Offshore Industries Company, and India’s Larsen & Toubro.

The contract includes two 410-metre docks, 2.8 kilometres of quay wall, crane foundations and office buildings.