30 November 2011
MUSCAT -- The Ministry of Transport and Communications plans to commission a consultant to prepare a framework that will govern all new development taking place in and around the Khasab Port area in Musandam Governorate.
The objective of the exercise is to create a blueprint for optimising the potential for economic and tourism development around the strategically located port. Most importantly, the framework will ensure that any future developmental activity in the area will not mar views of the nearby Khasab Fort framed by the governorate's imposing peaks in the background.
Around 15 local and international consultancy firms are looking to bid for the government's contract to provide consultancy services for the 'Khasab Fort Vision and Port Area Redevelopment' project.
Prospective bidders include Parsons International, WS Atkins, Khatib & Alami, Sering International, Arcop & Partners, Cowi & Partners, Triad Oman, HMR Consultants, National Engineering Office, Semac & Partners, Miles Engineering, Alatec, Al Hatmy Engineering, Simon Engineering and Morrison Muscat. Bids open on December 12, 2011.
According to officials, the framework will underpin the future development of Khasab Port and its immediate surroundings, with a view to ensuring that panoramic views of Khasab Fort are not obstructed by any new construction activity. Overall, the project is in line with the government's goal of attracting economic, tourism and social investment into the area.
The Khasab Port area enjoys major potential for tourism-related investment, given its current setting overlooking a tranquil harbour and dotted by outcrops in the distance, say officials. This appeal is significantly enhanced by its proximity to the majestic Khasab Fort -- an iconic symbol of the wilayat.
As part of its brief, the selected consultant will undertake a detailed master-plan that will scope out the anticipated future land use mix around the port, as well as traffic demand growth within the port. The implications of increased port operations, security, access and other functional requirements will be taken into account as well.
Khasab Port is currently used by local fishermen, shippers, cruise operators and exporters of bulk minerals. It also hosts a dedicated terminal for the high-speed ferries of National Ferries Company, and provides limited quay access to some cruise liners.
The development framework will spell out the potential for a future upgrade of Khasab Port based on demand growth forecasts. It will examine the need for enhanced facilities, for example, to support fishery development, separate quays for fishing and tourism operations, dedicated berths for cruise and tourism vessels, berthing facilities for government vessels, infrastructure for marina, activities and even ship maintenance services.
Also as part of the study, the consultant will be required to assess the future port-related requirements of various government ministries, service providers, utilities and other relevant authorities. The scope for private sector investments in the area will be ascertained as well.
The project will be undertaken in two stages. In the first stage, the consultant will prepare the Development Framework and Concept Master-Plan for Khasab Fort and Port Area. This will be followed by the Detailed Master-Plan and Preliminary Engineering Design in the second stage. A roughly eight-month time frame has been specified for the completion of the project.
MUSCAT -- The Ministry of Transport and Communications plans to commission a consultant to prepare a framework that will govern all new development taking place in and around the Khasab Port area in Musandam Governorate.
The objective of the exercise is to create a blueprint for optimising the potential for economic and tourism development around the strategically located port. Most importantly, the framework will ensure that any future developmental activity in the area will not mar views of the nearby Khasab Fort framed by the governorate's imposing peaks in the background.
Around 15 local and international consultancy firms are looking to bid for the government's contract to provide consultancy services for the 'Khasab Fort Vision and Port Area Redevelopment' project.
Prospective bidders include Parsons International, WS Atkins, Khatib & Alami, Sering International, Arcop & Partners, Cowi & Partners, Triad Oman, HMR Consultants, National Engineering Office, Semac & Partners, Miles Engineering, Alatec, Al Hatmy Engineering, Simon Engineering and Morrison Muscat. Bids open on December 12, 2011.
According to officials, the framework will underpin the future development of Khasab Port and its immediate surroundings, with a view to ensuring that panoramic views of Khasab Fort are not obstructed by any new construction activity. Overall, the project is in line with the government's goal of attracting economic, tourism and social investment into the area.
The Khasab Port area enjoys major potential for tourism-related investment, given its current setting overlooking a tranquil harbour and dotted by outcrops in the distance, say officials. This appeal is significantly enhanced by its proximity to the majestic Khasab Fort -- an iconic symbol of the wilayat.
As part of its brief, the selected consultant will undertake a detailed master-plan that will scope out the anticipated future land use mix around the port, as well as traffic demand growth within the port. The implications of increased port operations, security, access and other functional requirements will be taken into account as well.
Khasab Port is currently used by local fishermen, shippers, cruise operators and exporters of bulk minerals. It also hosts a dedicated terminal for the high-speed ferries of National Ferries Company, and provides limited quay access to some cruise liners.
The development framework will spell out the potential for a future upgrade of Khasab Port based on demand growth forecasts. It will examine the need for enhanced facilities, for example, to support fishery development, separate quays for fishing and tourism operations, dedicated berths for cruise and tourism vessels, berthing facilities for government vessels, infrastructure for marina, activities and even ship maintenance services.
Also as part of the study, the consultant will be required to assess the future port-related requirements of various government ministries, service providers, utilities and other relevant authorities. The scope for private sector investments in the area will be ascertained as well.
The project will be undertaken in two stages. In the first stage, the consultant will prepare the Development Framework and Concept Master-Plan for Khasab Fort and Port Area. This will be followed by the Detailed Master-Plan and Preliminary Engineering Design in the second stage. A roughly eight-month time frame has been specified for the completion of the project.
© Oman Daily Observer 2011
