Qatar Navigation plans to start construction work on its QR1bn ($274m) logistics city project by the end of this year.

“We hope to go to construction in late 2011,” said Ahmed Al-Kowsi, vice president projects and logistics service at Qatar Navigation.

UK-based logistics consultant Ashton Smith was appointed on 3 July and will now assist the company in appointing a local consultant by the end of July.

The firms will then work on designs for the 500,000 square metre site, which is located 8 kilometres from the New Doha Port and 20km from the existing port. Tender documents are set to be issued on 17 October, with an award due on 11 December.

The site will contain a truck yard capable of holding 25,000 trucks, accommodation for up to 5,000 employees, warehousing, heavy lift equipment and sophisticated storage solutions such as refrigeration for chemicals. “It is very fast track project. We hope to complete phase 1 not more than two years after the start date of December 2011,” said Al-Kowsi.