Construction of the QR27 billion ($7.4 billion) New Port Project is on track and is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2016, a top official of the project has said.
“Progress of the project is on schedule and at present about 10 percent of the construction work is complete while d 38 percent of the excavation work by the contractor China Harbour Engineering Company Limited is done ,” Project Executive Director Nabeel Mohammed al Buenain told reporters during a site visit on Wednesday.
According to Buenain, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited has made significant progress in the areas of basin excavation, land reclamation and quay wall and breakwater construction. He said a total of 18 contracts worth QR9 billion has been awarded so far and tenders for the remaining QR18 billion would be invited in due course of time.
He said the steering committee has given priority to local companies for contract and this is evident from the fact that out of the 18 contracts awarded, 10 of them were won by local contractors. “Developed in multiple phases, the New Port will comprise three container terminals with an eventual combined annual capacity in excess of six million containers. The first phase, which will be completed in 2016, we will have a container terminal to handle 2 million container. Another 2 million tonnes will be added in 2022. One more terminal to handle 2 million containers will be completed by 2030, ” he said.
The New Port will also be a centre for Qatar’s Maritime security. A new base for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces will be built offshore of the New Port, providing berthing for Qatar’s Navy and visiting naval vessels from around the world. The base will offer technical support, comprehensive logistic facilities, material support accommodation and recreational services. Similarly the Port will have a Qatar Economic Zone 3 (QEZ3), a self-contained development with industrial and residential facilities, will also be located adjacent to the New Port.
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Source: qatarisbooming, January 18, 2013