Qatar has awarded a QR862m ($237m) contract on the New Port Project (NPP) to a joint venture of the local Construction Development Company (CDC) and Boom Construction to build a centralised customs area at the New Doha Port.

The joint venture is scheduled to finish the work in the third quarter of 2016.

The work will involve the design and construction of infrastructure, utilities and buildings located on a plot to the north of the new port basin. It will also include internal roadworks, buildings, power, wet utilities, instrumentation and controls area, lighting, telecoms and landscaping.

In the second quarter of 2014, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) was awarded a QR615m deal for the construction of quay walls and revetments along the basin perimeter and associated marine works.

In September 2013, the port’s steering committee awarded China’s Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) the QR871.7m contract for the provision of 12 ship-to-shore cranes and 38 gantry cranes for the container terminal in Mesaieed.

Also in September 2013, a joint venture of the local HBK Contracting and India’s Afcons Infrastructure won the QR820m contract covering the new commercial terminal.

The work covers the construction of two commercial terminals, associated utility buildings and logistical facilities at the new port.

The port is due to be finished in 2016. It will play an essential role in ensuring Qatar meets its Fifa football World Cup 2022 deadlines by reducing the risk of bottlenecks in the supply of construction materials.