Abu Dhabi Ports has received bids on 20 March for the contract to expand the container terminal at the Port of Fujairah, according to sources familiar with the scheme.

The bids were initially expected to be submitted on 6 March.

Firms that are understood to have submitted an offer for the contract include Beijing-based China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and Abu Dhabi-based National Marine Dredging Company, among others.

The scope of works entails deepening the berth to 16.5 metres, building a one kilometre quay and constructing a 300,000 square-metre storage yard.

Last year, Abu Dhabi Ports signed a 35-year concession agreement with the Port of Fujairah to take over the operations and management of the container terminal from Dubai-based DP World.

In December last year, Abu Dhabi Ports awarded local firm MUC Engineering the consultancy contract for determining the next steps to upgrade the container terminal.

The consultancy contract  will involve assessing the business case for upgrading the terminal’s superstructures, including the installation of gantry cranes and yard equipment.

Operating and expanding the container terminal, which is situated outside the Strait of Hormuz, is a key component of Abu Dhabi Ports’ future growth strategy.