Port of Fujairah is planning to develop a new port in the coastal town of Dibba, in the UAE's northern emirates.

The tender for marine works on the new port is expected to be issued soon, according to a source familiar with the plan.

The main port in Fujairah has two oil terminals and a cargo and break bulk terminal, in addition to a container terminal operated by Abu Dhabi Ports.

The container terminal is being upgraded in line with Abu Dhabi Port’s future growth strategy.  It received bids on 20 March for the  contract to expand the container terminal.

Firms understood to have submitted an offer for the contract include:

• China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) (China)
• Athena (Greece)
• National Marine Dredging Company (UAE)

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

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.