Duqm Port project set for end-2020 completion

MUSCAT, SEPT 2 - Construction work on the Port of Duqm’s Commercial Terminal and Operational Zone project is well under way and is slated for completion before the end of 2020, according to a summary note prepared by one of the project’s key lenders. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a multilateral development bank headquartered in Beijing, has committed $265 million in funding support for the project, representing 75 per cent of the total project cost of $353.33 million. The balance 25 per cent (amounting to $88.33 million) is being contributed by the Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm (SEZAD). “The objective of the project is to help Duqm Port capture its full economic potential through improved transport efficiency, strengthened logistics services, facilitated mineral exports, and reduced supply chain delivery time and costs for the wide spectrum of industries in the new Duqm SEZ and its broaden international hinterland,” said AIIB in the Project Summary note. Serka Taahhut Insaat, the engineering construction subsidiary of Turkish conglomerate Abdali Holding, is implementing the project. It includes the construction of dedicated terminals for multipurpose, container and dry bulk cargoes, along with a terminal building and operational zone. Also envisaged are 3 kilometres of 2-lane dual carriageway internal roads connecting the terminal buildings and parking areas. The contract also calls for the construction of potable water network to serve the commercial berth buildings and ships; a firefighting network; storm water and sewerage network; administration building, training and amenities centres, workshop and maintenance building, and gate house. Also part of the package, the main contractor is developing the Port Operations Area to serve as the nerve centre of the entire maritime hub. A traffic control tower and port emergency services, among other operations-related facilities, will be housed within this area.