Bidding is due to begin for the construction of one of Oman’s largest fishing harbours.
The $100-$120m harbour will be built in Duqm in Wusta Governorate and is part of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) plan for a major fishery hub.
The harbour is due to be operational in 2016 and is expected to attract investments in modern fishing fleets, fish processing plants, aquaculture projects, and other fishery-related activities – helping to generate employment and to enhance the contribution of the fisheries sector to the GDP, reports the Oman Daily Observer.
Bids for the construction tender close on 29 April, with the following companies due to participate: Consolidated Contractors Co, STFA, Galfar Engineering & Contracting, Al Hassan Engineering, Khimji Ramdas Contracting, Oman Shapoorji Construction, Teejan Trading, Sarooj Construction, Al Shanfari Trading, Arabian Projects & Transport, Strabag Oman, and Golden Way Trading.
The Oman Daily Observer reports that features of Duqm Fishery Harbour will include breakwaters, dredged basin and access channel, jetty, pontoons, etc. A key component of the project is a 400m-long quay wall (200m in the alternative option), built with precast concrete blocks. A boat ramp will also be constructed to haul out boats for repairs and maintenance. Also envisioned are a guided floating pontoon, marina facility, two concrete pontoons for fishing vessels, berthing and mooring aids.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries believes that the harbour project will catalyse the growth of a major fishery industry in Duqm.
Aquaculture-related projects are also proposed to be integrated into the scheme, alongside plans for fishmeal and oil plants, electronic trading platforms, and an enhanced cluster of fish processing units.
Mercator Media Ltd 2013