International prequalifiers are due to submit bids at the end of October for the construction contract for work on the development of Gwadar Port, project sources say. The work was originally to be divided into two parts but will now be let under a single contract.

The client is the Communications Ministry and the consultants are Posford Duvivier and Gifford & Partners, both of the UK.

The work comprises the construction of three multi-purpose berths, the dredging of a five-kilometre shipping channel, construction of quay walls, warehouses, container freight stations, offices, the provision of a standby power generation facility and installation of desalination capacity. The estimated cost of the work is about $150 million. Bidders have been asked to submit offers to part-finance the work. The consultants are also preparing contracts for the supply of port equipment and marine craft.

The construction and equipment supply contracts constitute the first phase of the port development, which is being sponsored by the government. It is anticipated that a second phase will be implemented on a build-own-operate (BOO) or similar basis.

Further developments under the second phase could include more berths, container terminals and grain terminals. The developer would also operate the port, although details are yet to be finalised (MEED 22:3:96).