A team of Belgium's Besixand the local Somagechas won the MD 665 million ($79 million) contract on the first container terminal, covering earthworks and construction of berthing and docking facilities. Somagec has also been awarded a similar contract, worth MD 275 million ($33 million), for work on the roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) terminal and the service quay. The award of two further contracts for similar packages of work on the other TangMed terminals is expected in the next few weeks.

Bids are due by the end of April for the 30-year concession to operate the second container terminal. An award is due by year-end, with operations to begin in 2008. Companies have until 10 June to bid for the 25-year concession to manage and operate the port's 110-metre-long hydrocarbons terminal. An award is expected in early 2006, with operations due to begin alongside the first container terminal in June 2007. Bids are due by mid-April for the 25-year concession to provide towage and salvage facilities at the port. An award is expected in the fourth quarter (MEED 4:2:05).