Saturday 16 / November / 2024
Duqm: With the government having made much headway in implementing the infrastructure projects, the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZD) is on track to become a regional hub for maritime transport, logistic services, petrochemicals, manufacturing and fish industries.
While many projects have been completed over the past years, many of them are almost complete preparing the Zone to become become a significant contributor to the economic diversification and social development in the Governorate of Al Wusta.
Eng. Yahya bin Khamis Al Zadjali, Engineering Projects Planning and Follow Up Official at the Office of Chairman of SEZAD and Secretary of the Tender Committee at the Authority said that the Authority is currently completing the supra structure projects for Duqm Commercial Port namely the 250-meter-long and 350 wide commercial berth which will handle 7 million TEU per annum. He pointed out that work is underway at the liquid and build berth including the digging, deepening and construction of berths so that the port can handle oil products.
He added that the other packages at Duqm Port include the governmental berth which will be an added value to the security aspect in the port. The berth includes facilities for fast boats. The works of the governmental berth in Duqm is expected to be completed by 2019.
He pointed out that many projects are carried out to connect the oil, refineries and petrochemical areas with the Port. The roads leading to the import and export yards at the port, as well as the pipelines that will transport the liquid materials from the refineries to the Port have been completed.
He affirmed that all infrastructure facilities at Duqm Port will be completed by the end of 2019. He pointed out that the Port is currently handling the experimental loading and unloading through Duqm Port Company. The company has handled the materials received from oil and gas fields and exported mineral materials extracted from the rocks.
"As of now, Oman Dry Dock Company has maintained 500 vessels and hopefully the full capacity of Duqm will be leveraged after completing all packages at the port so that it will become the key driving force for the economy in the region. The operation of Duqm Refinery will also contribute to enhancing economic growth," he added.
Work at the passenger terminal and cargo building at Duqm Commercial Airport are under way and they are expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2018, he further said.
"Work is also underway at the fishing harbour and the fish processing area. The digging of the port basin and the construction of berths are underway. The Port, which will be the deepest fishing harbour, will have 3.5 km and 4.5km long berths to absorb all fish handling works. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2019, he continued.
"The underway projects in SEZD include the discharge of the superficial water, implemented by SEZAD to ensure safety and security of the installations and buildings. SEZAD has also plans to complete the 200 roads and that the main building of SEZAD will be opened in the next three months. The architecture of the building is unique and will serve as a gateway for potential investors in Duqm."
