At present, the installed capacity of RSHT is 7,650 tonnes a day (t/d), with processing capacity of 6,550 t/d. The expansion will increase capacity by 2,420 t/d. Estimated to be worth $150 million-200 million, the scope of works for the EPC contract includes the construction of two 1,100-t/d granulation units, a 11,000-tonne cylindrical liquid and solid storage tank, unloading pit and stations, transfer and unloading pumps, sulphur transfer conveyors, piping work and related facilities. Calgary-based Enersul Partnership is the nominated supplier of the new granulation units.

The contract will include the construction of a 300-metre-long, 12-metre-wide loading berth capable of handling 65,000-dwt Panamax vessels, the dredging of the access channel and turning basin and an export jetty. A tender is due to be issued by the summer, with a target date for completion of the facilities by 2008.

US-based Washington Group International (WGI) has carried out the front-end engineering and design (FEED) package. Tebodin Middle East, part of Tebodin of the Netherlands, is the project management consultant (PMC).