Sohar Freezone, part of the Port of Sohar group, has invited companies to submit an expression of interest (EoI) in a contract for infrastructure works for phase one of the Sohar Freezone project.

The project will involve the construction of a highway, earthworks, lined wadi channels and reinforced concrete culverts at the Sohar port freezone, which is located 220km northwest of Muscat.

The freezone will cover a total area of 4,500 hectares and is being developed in phases. The first phase that is currently being developed covers an area of 500 hectares. The first phase is expected to contain a number of downstream industrial and petrochemical ventures, warehousing and logistics services and medical and other service-related facilities.

The industrial port is managed by Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC), which is a joint-venture of the government and the Port of Rotterdam. The original agreement between the two partners was signed in 2002.

Oman is also building a new airport at Sohar. The Transport & Communications Ministry recently invited companies to submit bids for the package three construction project for the new Sohar International airport.

Companies have until the 21 March to submit bids for the project. Package three of the airport scheme involves building and civil works (MEED 10:2:11).