The estimated $150 million-200 million expansion project calls for the addition of two berths at the port and the construction of a new breakwater and a passenger terminal for cruise liners. SPS says that the tenders for the main construction contracts will probably be broken down into separate packages. The US' Han Padron Associatesis the project's engineering consultant.

However, negotiations with major cruise liners for access to the new facilities are understood to have been complicated due to the reduction in cruise liner traffic using the Gulf following the 11 September attacks on the US. Provided government approval is given, SPS plans to complete the project by the end of 2003 (MEED 28:9:01).