On 28 September, contracts worth $ 200 million for the construction of a 1380-metre long jetty, sunk 25 metres deep, in the port of Sohar were signed in the Omani capital of Muscat. The next generation of 400,000 dwt ‘Very Large Ore Carriers’ will be able to dock here. The jetty is due for completion in the first quarter of 2011. The Port of Rotterdam Authority will contribute € 25 million towards the building costs.
A contract was signed with Van Oord to dredge the current 18.5 metre-deep access channel to a depth of 23 metres and the location of the jetty itself to 25 metres. Construction of the jetty was awarded to a 50/50 joint venture between the Italian firm Saipem and Afcons from India.
Vale
In May 2008 a contract was signed in Rotterdam, Holland between the Government of Oman, the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Vale, the largest iron ore company in the world. This Brazilian mining giant is investing US$ 1, 4 billion and started the construction of a pelletizing plant in the beginning of 2009 that will supply the region with steel pellets. In addition, Sohar will also function as the distribution centre for iron ore to be exported to the Middle East, India and Africa. Since then Oman Shipping Company, owned by Government of Oman, signed a deal with a Chinese shipbuilder to build four of the world’s largest iron ore carriers for transporting iron ore from Brazil to the Port of Sohar.
A contract was signed with Van Oord to dredge the current 18.5 metre-deep access channel to a depth of 23 metres and the location of the jetty itself to 25 metres. Construction of the jetty was awarded to a 50/50 joint venture between the Italian firm Saipem and Afcons from India.
Vale
In May 2008 a contract was signed in Rotterdam, Holland between the Government of Oman, the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Vale, the largest iron ore company in the world. This Brazilian mining giant is investing US$ 1, 4 billion and started the construction of a pelletizing plant in the beginning of 2009 that will supply the region with steel pellets. In addition, Sohar will also function as the distribution centre for iron ore to be exported to the Middle East, India and Africa. Since then Oman Shipping Company, owned by Government of Oman, signed a deal with a Chinese shipbuilder to build four of the world’s largest iron ore carriers for transporting iron ore from Brazil to the Port of Sohar.