The UAE’s Sharjah Ports Authority has selected Belgium’s Besix for the contract to build a new berth at the Mina Khalid Port.

The formal letter of award is expected before end of the year, sources familiar with the transaction tell MEED.

The project is to be executed within 18 months. The contract value has not been disclosed pending the final award of the contract.

The scope of the project is understood to include dredging of the port basin and the construction of a cargo loading facility, a quay wall, marine rock revetment on the seaward perimeter of the reclamation area, and other related facilities.

Five other firms submitted an offer for the contract. They are:

• Archirodon (Netherlands)
• China Harbour Engineering Company (China)
• Afcons Infrastructure (India)
• Bam International (Netherlands)
• Dutco Balfour Beatty (local/UK)

US-based CH2M Hill is the project consultant.

In November, Saqr Port Authority, located in Ras al-Khaimah also in the UAE’s Northern Emirates, tendered a contract for the expansion of the Saqr Port. Archirodon, Bam International, Besix and Dutco Balfour Beatty are among the seven firms that are understood to have been prequalified to bid for the contract.