Aqaba invites expressions of interest in port job

CW Staff , March 16th, 2010

Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) has invited companies to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the construction of marine works at the New Port of Aqaba.

The job is the first in a series that will help ensure the new port is ready by its 2013 deadline, the date by which the site of the existing port must be handed over to a property developer, Al Maabar.

"The New Port of Aqaba will replace the existing main port facility and is an integral part of ADC’s transport master plan to transform Aqaba into a leading multi-modal logistics gateway for the Levant region on the Red Sea," said Shadi Ramzi Majali, CEO of ADC.

"The new facilities will significantly increase the flexibility and cargo handling capacity for the only sea-gate of Jordan, stimulating economic growth as a result of the improved access for goods to the Jordanian market and as a strategic transit point for the Iraqi re-construction initiatives.

"Local and International firms are being invited to jointly submit the documentation in order to demonstrate their capability to undertake the initial phase of the New Port of Aqaba," Majali added.

ADC is stipulating that overseas firms bid as part of a JV, with local firms owning at least 25% of each JV.

This "will not only ensure that Jordan’s domestic construction sector is actively participating in projects of national importance, but should ensure competitive pricing and a robust mix of relevant experience within the consortia," said Majali.

The site of the current port is being turned into a beachfront leisure and tourism destination called Marza Zayed.