Construction of the first deep-water berth complex will start in Yuzhno-Kurils (Kunashir island, Kuril Isles) within the framework of a Federal Program On Social-and Economic Development of Kiril Isles in 2007 – 2015, Pravda reports. The work is to start in summer. According to Sergei Ababkov, Director of Kuril Program, first meeting of the tender committee has been held recently. It started consideration of documents provided by bidders. Ababkov said three large Sakhalin-based companies bid for a position of a prime contractor. The companies to continue participation in the tender will be announced in 10 days.
The investments needed for construction of hydraulic facilities at Kunashir will exceed RUR 1 billion. In 2007, Federal Budget is to invest RUR 320 million. Today, lighters are used for handling cargo carriers and passengervessels. It results in higher cost of transportation hence construction and modernization of berthing facilities is a priority in Kuril development program.