Jordan’s Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) expects to award two separate consultancy contracts for the Aqaba port’s masterplan update as well as  for a study to assess all navigational zones and ship terminals at the port soon, according to a source with knowledge of the transactions.

The first contract, for the port masterplan update, seeks to ensure that the port’s capabilities and capacities meet the kingdom’s requirements in addition to coping with economic conditions and variables, ADC said last year.

The other contract is expected to be awarded to a joint venture of international and local consultancy companies, which will undertake a study to assess all navigational zones and ship terminals at Aqaba port, with a view to upgrading the port’s navigation aids and anchoring mooring buoy.

ADC said the study is required due to the changes and challenges posed on the port by the construction and development of new container and passenger ports, new berths and other port facilities especially along the port’s northern coast line.

ADC has recently sought firms to express an interest for the slipway equipment furnishing and preparation contract at the port’s marine service harbour, part of the Aqaba New Port Project (NPP).

It is understood ADC is currently preparing and furnishing the marine service harbour slipway for the recovery of smaller vessel types, and the installation of required safety breaking system, cradles and winches, among others.

A joint venture of Germany’s Dorsch and local Dar al-Omran advised ADC on the marine service harbour project.

ADC develops and manages the port and airport located at Jordan’s Aqaba Special Economic Zone (Asez).