Mina Saqr port expands

28 October 2005
Kuwait Gulf Link Ports International (KGLPI), the operator of Mina Saqr port in Ras al-Khaimah (RAK), has invited contractors to submit bids by 17 November for the construction and strengthening of quay walls at the port. The tender is part of the government's $1,000 million investment programme over the next year to expand the emirate's port infrastructure (MEED 22:7:05).

The scope of works includes construction of a 638-metre-long new quay wall at berths eight and nine and dredging and filling behind the quay walls. Work is to be completed by April 2007. The tender also covers the strengthening of quay walls one-three, to be completed by October 2006. The UK's Halcrowis the consultant.

The port is already undergoing an expansion following the 21-year concession awarded to KGLPI in 2004. Other work includes relocating existing sheds and establishing a new container freight station, workshops, labour accommodation and administrative buildings. KGLPI is investing about $50 million on construction and equipment. Mina Saqr is primarily a dry bulk port handling aggregates, cement and limestone. The container terminal comprises three 200-metre berths and a roll on, roll off (ro-ro) berth.

Work is also moving ahead at RAK Seaport to extend berthing space and build new facilities. Phase 1, which is expected to be completed by March 2006, will see the addition of 307 metres of quay wall. Phase 2, which is in the design stage, will add a further 400 metres and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2006. Additional work includes the construction of 36 warehouses including four cold store facilities. The UK's Jacobs Gibbis the consultant.An expansion is also under way at the Al-Jazeera al-Hamra port. Located 20 kilometres to the south of the city, the work comprises the construction of new ship repair facilities and extra holding space.

Construction is also well under way for the new Ras al-Darah port close to the Omani border. A team of local contractors including Ras al-Khaimah Rock Companyis working on the project.

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