The shortlist was drawn up after 14 international consultants made presentations in August for the contract (MEED 15:8:03; 11:4:03).

DPA is planning an AED 4,200 million ($1,100 million) expansion programme to boost the capacity of Jebel Ali container terminal to 21.8 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2020.

DPA plans the development of Jebel Ali in four phases. The major projects planned under each phase are:

Phase 1, to be carried out up to 2005, will include: the widening of the existing channel to 325 metres from 235 metres; dredging of the existing terminal's alongside depth to 17 metres; development of additional berths equipped with 14 super-post Panamax cranes; and construction of deepwater quay walls for mega-vessels;

Phase 2, to be carried out between 2005-07, calls for: the extension by 50 per cent of mega berths to a length of 450 metres; and construction of additional berths, an automated gatehouse, 10 quayside cranes and associated yard equipment;

Phase 3, to be carried out from 2007-10, will include: the construction of four additional berths and 11 quayside cranes with associated yard equipment;

Phase 4 will call for the construction of three new giant terminals with total capacity of 12 million TEUs.

The expansion is being undertaken to cater for increased traffic at the port. In 2003, container throughput at the twin ports of Jebel Ali and Port Rashid rose by 23 per cent to 5.15 million TEUs, according to headline figures announced in late January.