Deals signed for expansion of Saudi port

Abdul Aziz Al-Tuwaijri, chairman of Saudi Ports Authority (SPA), signed two contracts worth US$116.24 million for the expansion of Ras Al-Zour Port in the Eastern Province, reported Mist News.

Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry attended the signing ceremony.

China Harbour Engineering Co won the first contract valued at $85.04 million to build two wharfs while Zamil Marine Services won the second contract valued at $31.2 million to import two tugboats, two guide boats and boat moorings.

Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony, Al-Seraisry said the two new wharfs at Ras Al-Zour would be used to handle minerals. There are four other wharfs in the port.

“We have been applying modern facilities for handling of goods and releasing them. At present we are carrying out a number of new projects valued at $1.31 billion at Saudi ports. In addition, the private sector has invested about $1.47 billion for development and operation of ports,” the minister said.

During the first nine months of this year, Saudi ports handled more than 113.17 million tonnes of goods, registering 76 percent increase compared to the same period last year when they handled 105.19 million tonnes. During the same period, imports rose by 18 percent while the number of containers increased by 22 percent to 3.97 million.

Transhipment containers rose by 46 percent in 2010 reaching 1.27 million containers against 873,225 containers last year.
(source:www.cargonewsasia.com)