Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) yesterday awarded a multi-million dirham project management contract to Bechtel of the US to develop the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ).
Ahmad Saeed Al Calily, ADPC Managing Director, and Sabah Baraka, Vice-President of International Bechtel Company, signed the agreement.
"The signing of this contract with Bechtel and our strategic partnership is yet another example of how we are continuing to rapidly implement the vision of creating a world class port facility and industrial zone at Taweelah," said Al Calily without stating the value of the contract.
But a spokesman of ADPC told Gulf News the contract value is several hundred million dirhams but less than Dh1 billion and the exact value would be announced soon.
"This will reinforce the position of the region as one of the most important port and industrial zones able to compete with international ports around the world. We will benefit from Abu Dhabi's strategic location and this project will place Abu Dhabi on the list of the world ports equipped with the latest technology," said Al Calily.
In addition, Bechtel's services will include development of the construction strategy and development phasing, and control of the development master programme.
Master plan
Work on the project has already started and it is in the design and procurement stage. Earlier this year, HPA-Halcrow was appointed to carry out the port master plan and conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Recap: Dh8b for Khalifa Port
In May this year, Abu Dhabi unveiled plans to develop the Khalifa Port for Dh8 billion. Bechtel will support ADPC in the development of KPIZ with primary responsibility for constructing the port.
