Dubai, 29 Apr. 05 (WAM)-- Sharjah Ports Authority (SPA) isconsidering to build a container terminal in Hamriyah Free Zone,according to a source from the seaport authority.

"Although it is not yet decided, eventually the new box terminalwill be established there driven by the growing demand of customersof the free zone. And also for the free zone to grow furtherit needs to have a container terminal," he said as quoted bythe Dubai-based Khaleej Times today.

He ruled out the possibility of competition from the wellestablished Jebel Ali container terminal, saying that even afterthe Jebel Ali's expansion, there will be enough room for thenew terminal and virtually for every operator in the region.

Sharjah ports have been running at full capacity for a numberof years now, although the emirate has to be proactive in itssearch for new customers and consistent in accommodating itsexisting clients, he said, adding that location-wise Sharjahhas the same advantages as Dubai.

Last year, Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT) handledover two million TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units), postinga record 25 per cent growth in container throughput over theprevious year.

To stay ahead of customer demand and cope with the risingtrends, KCT has already started work to develop KCT and raisepotential throughput to over three million TEUs (twenty feetequivalent units) a year. Much of the dredging required to provide16 metres of water depth alongside the quay wall is already completeand the infilling for the berth? foundation is underway.

Located on the reverse side of the present facility, the multi-milliondollar project will increase KCT's present 1,060 metres of quayby 400 metres. The new quay to be protected by an 800 metresbreakwater is designed to give maximum protection to the newberth, while at the same time providing the easiest possibleaccess for 8,000 plus TEU capacity ships, which will enable themto speed up their turn around times.

Meanwhile, Sharjah's largest port, Mina Khalid, is undergoinghuge expansion, spurred on by increasing growth in containerthroughput in the region. The development will involve the constructionof about 900 metres of quay length, which equates to four orfive berths of equal length.