SALALAH — Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, stressed the importance of the liquid terminal (Salalah Methanol) and the general cargo terminal in Salalah Port, which was awarded by the Tender Board yesterday at a cost of RO 55 million.
In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), he said that the project is very important for the service of the bulk industries in the Free Zone in Salalah and for the import and export through the general cargo terminal in Salalah port. The project will also activate the manufacturing industries, develop the service and transportation sector and generated new job opportunities in Dhofar Governorate. Moreover, the project will attract and encourage investment at the different economic sectors.
He added that the general cargo terminal is the main gate for the import and export of general goods and the service of domestic trade, as well as merchants and residents in Dhofar Governorate. He added that the development of Salalah Free Zone requires many facilities, such as terminals, storing areas, handling and other facilities. This will be achieved only through having a port provided with terminals dedicated for this purpose. This is one of the attractions for investors.
He pointed out that the project involves the construction of around 1,266 metres of linear general cargo berths with drafts of 18 metres, along with the infrastructure projects, electricity, mechanical, telecommunications and rain water discharge systems.
He pointed out that the award of this project comes within the development programmes to develop the master plan of Salalah Port which is currently under way through proposed plans for 30 years. The plan includes a new Northern breakwater to reduce the risks of waves on the vessels and goods handling, especially during autumn season.
He added that the future programmes for the master plan includes the construction of a number of terminals and facilities for handling containers, bulk goods and solid goods as well. The container terminal will be expanded to make the length of the quay 8 km to increase the capacity to 40 million TEU.
It provides facilities for loading and unloading of liquids and provides facilities for the service vessels, yachts, coast guard, cruise ships and ferry boats. There are also plans to boost the port's handling capacity to 40 million tonnes of dry bulk commodities and 5 million tonnes of liquid products annually.
He added that initial studies are currently under way for the 7-8-9 terminals in a bid to increase the capacity of the port from 5 million TEU to more than 7 million TEU.
He said the major projects for Salalah Port includes completing the final version of the scope of work of the consultancy services required to rehabilitate the existing cargo terminal in co-ordination with the respective public and private organisations.
The minister also said that the Transport and Communications Ministry in collaboration with the Regional Municipalities and Water Resources Ministry prepares to float the consultancy service tender for diverting the path of Wadi Adunab and Ana'ar in Raysut area to protect Salalah Port from flood risks.
The ministry in co-ordination with the respective departments will float a tender for the rehabilitation of the main road at the port due to the increase of traffic activity following the development of the free zone. — ONA
