Netherlands-based consultancy firm DHV has won a contract to develop nine ports in Kuwait.

The Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) is planning to redevelop three existing ports as well as building six new ports in the country. The new ports are aimed at improving facilities for fishing boats and will also provide ferries to serve the offshore islands. Possible locations for the new ports are currently being studied.

“Kuwait has always had a very strong relationship with the sea, but has limited berthing capacity for certain types of vessel”, says Michiel de Jong, senior project manager for DHV. “In particular, there has been a significant upsurge in recreational usage, but the availability and quality of facilities such as yacht marinas have failed to keep pace.”

De Jong says that the traditional methods of fishing using small open boats and dhows is no longer adequate and the industry needs better facilities and improved boat maintenance.

DHV is carrying out the project together with Dutch consultancy firms KuiperCompagnons and local partner Seif Engineering Consultants.