Abu Dhabi Ports has invited firms to bid by 6 March for the contract to expand the container terminal at the Port of Fujairah, according to a source familiar with the scheme.

The scope of works entails deepening the berth to 16.5 metres, building a 1 kilometre quay and constructing a 300,000 square-metre storage yard.

Abu Dhabi Ports took over the operations and management of the port last year from Dubai-based DP World, following the signing a 35-year concession agreement with the Port of Fujairah.

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.

Ross Thompson, chief commercial and strategy officer of Abu Dhabi Ports, told MEED that the scope of the consultancy work will include a long-term forecast for the terminal. “An upgrade in superstructure and equipment will be a function of commerciality,” said Thompson.

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