March 16, 2013 [SeeNews] - Oman-based deepwater Port of Duqm expects to find an international operator for providing bunkering services to vessels calling at the facility before end-2013, Zawya news agency said on Monday, citing a port senior official.
The port launched its first phase of commercial operations on March 10, 2013. The management is in final negotiations with such a partner, commercial director Reggy Vermeulen said.
Port of Duqm also plans the development of an oil terminal to service the future oil refinery at Duqm, Vermeulen added. Tenders for the terminals construction will be launched this year. The facility is to be completed before putting the refinery into operation.
The government of Oman has invested some OMR 700 million (USD 1.8bn/EUR 1.4bn) in the development of the deepwater port so far. The quay has a length of 3,200 m (10,500 ft), of which 300 m are in use.
