April 29, 2013 [Oman Observer] - With construction work on a new, modern General Cargo Terminal well under way at the Port of Salalah, authorities have embarked on a plan to redevelop the old, existing general cargo terminal to make way for, among other things, a future tank storage facility, oil jetty, value-added business zone, limestone stockpile area, coal and iron ore berth, and a host of modernised berths.
A key part of the consultant’s brief is to study sites for the potential development of a tank farm catering to the storage of oil, ethylene, ethylene glycol, and so on. The farm is proposed to be developed at the Top Hill Area and linked by pipeline to a multipurpose berth due to be built as part of the upgrade. Linkages with a proposed oil jetty are envisaged as well.
Also identified for potential development is a site located around 600 metres inshore of Berths 30-31. This site is proposed to be converted into a Value Added Business Area for future customers.
Salalah’s port revamp is being pursued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications in coordination with Salalah Port Services Company. As a first step, the Ministry plans to appoint a consultancy firm to provide design services to redevelop the existing General Cargo Terminal (GCT), so it can meet “the future operational demands from import and export business”. The project, say officials, is in line with the objective to reinforce and enhance the economic potential of the Port of Salalah and to attract further investment to the area.
A number of local and international engineering firms are preparing to bid for a contract to provide consultancy services to support the redevelopment of the old general cargo terminal, encompassing facilities originally known as Mina Raysut.
This upgrade will be undertaken in line with the port’s 30-year master plan covering the period 2009 – 2029. It envisages, among other things, the inclusion of a central service corridor for the transport of dry bulk and liquid cargo through the site, construction of new berths, refurbishment of existing berths, and land development for existing and future business.
With a new set of general cargo berths already under construction under a RO 55 million contract awarded last year, the Ministry plans to utilise the existing General Cargo Terminal for a range of other port-related commercial activities.
Towards this end, the selected consultant will be required to propose better and innovative use of the existing berths, and recommend ways to improve equipment handling efficiency.
Other facilities being looked at for potential development at the upgraded General Cargo Terminal is a Coal / Iron Ore Jetty. This is proposed to be located in the port basin between the old breakwater and the new breakwater.
Bids for the consultancy tender close on June 10, 2013.
