Karachi Port Trust says that eight companies have been prequalified for the project to build a new port at Gwadar. They are Hyundai Corporation and Daelim, both of South Korea, Turkey's STFA Tamel, China Harbour Engineering Company, Iran Marine Industrial Corporation, Italy's Grandi Lavori Finconsit, Belgium's Besix and the Athens-based Joannou & Paraskeviades (Overseas).

A contract for the civil works would be worth about $160 million. It would include dredging a new channel, building three multipurpose berths and onshore facilities. Equipment for the port is expected to cost a further $40 million. Costs have been scaled down from original estimates of $280 million.

However, tender documents, prepared by the UK's Posford Duvivier, will not be issued until the government has taken a final decision on the format of the project. Project sources recently said that the government is considering combining the port project with a road linking Gwadar to Rotadero. The total cost of the combined project could be in excess of $1,000 million (MEED 31:10:97).