A'Duqm port starts commercial operations

A celebration was held today at A'Duqm Port to mark the launching of commercial operations for the operation of dock (1) at the commercial terminal, open the offices for temporary operations for A'Duqm Port Company and sign the service agreements associated with a number of cargo handling companies and provision of some services and commercial facilities.   Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, who patronized over the ceremony, said that launching the operations will give a momentum to the port and achieve the Sultanate's aims towards developing marine transport and logistic services. He pointed out that the project will support the development programmes for the area, open the door for attracting the mega investments and encourage the trade and industry activities to come to A'Duqm area. He also pointed out that soft operations include receiving a number of containers loaded with equipment and tools that are used in the A'Duqm port area. The launching of the commercial operations marks the beginning of the operation of the first commercial quay at the port. He added that the port has been designed to receive millions of containers and handle the general, bulk and liquid cargo. It will also suport the industrial, trade and tourism activities that will be set up as per the preset plans and programmes of the Special Economic Zone Authority. He affirmed that the opening of the 300-meter long quay will contribute to promoting the commercial operation and launching it to the international marine activity. He also pointed out in a statement to reporters after the launching of commercial operation of the 1st quay at the commercial terminal that A'Duqm Port Company started receiving offers from companies to use the port. An agreement has been signed today for the production of bitumen, which is used in the construction of marine quays and roads.  The second agreement is related to providing the readymade concrete for the construction works related to the Port. 'This is an important step for the training and rehabilitation of the citizens, as well as for promotion. The commercial operation strategy for the port targets providing service to the projects at the Port and the companies operating in oilfields in the area. In fact, the port started early operations few months ago and has already DPC is a joint venture between the government and Consortium Antwerp Port (CAP) in Belgium, as per a concession agreement for the operation and management of A'Duqm Port. The first stage of the agreement has been completed. It includes two 8.6 km of breakwater, developing the Southern part of the port basin to 18 meter, construction of commercial quays, (2250 m-long and 18 m deep), in addition to government and service quays. The first stage also includes the implementation of the road network, which is currently underway. The government will complete the infra and supra structure projects for the port and will float these projects through a number of packages soon. The future layouts of the port will allow for building scores of different types of quays including those for liquid, bulk and solid materials. There will be vast areas for future expansions as well. The launch ceremony was attended by Yahya bin Said al-Jabri, Chairman of SEZ in A'Duqm Authority, governor of the Al Wusta Governorate and a number of CEOs for the companies operating in the Port.