21 June 2010
MUSCAT -- Well-known construction firm Strabag Oman has been awarded a contract to execute the airfield infrastructure package of the Sohar Airport project at a cost of RO 27.6 million.
The contract represents a key phase in the development of a greenfield airport at Sohar, which along with plans for a major expressway and rail network, will underpin the port's city's eventual transformation into a major industrial and economic hub on the Batinah coast.
Strabag led a field of eight bidders in securing the keen-contested contract. Also in the fray were Gamuda-Berhad (Qatar Branch), Galfar, CCC, the joint venture of Alarko Contracting and Lagan, L&T Oman, Desertline Projects, and the joint venture of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Yooshin Engineering.
Significantly, Strabag is also undertaking the first phase package of the Sohar Airport project, which it was awarded in May last year. The contract, valued at RO 37.5 million, covers site preparation works and the construction of access roads and car park facilities, among other amenities.
The second phase package, awarded recently by the Tender Board, entails the construction of airfield infrastructure, including a 4,000-metre-long runway with turning loops at the ends. In addition, a full length parallel taxiway with high speed exits will be provided, along with terminal building and cargo aprons.
Navigation aids, and fuel and fire fighting systems will be installed as well.
In the third phase, which is likely to be tendered out later this year, the selected contractor will build a passenger terminal building designed for a capacity of around 500,000 passengers initially, as well as around 100,000 tonnes of air cargo per year. Also included in this package is an integrated air traffic control tower, and buildings for catering, and air rescue and fire fighting services.
As with all new airport projects, the Ministry of Transport and Communications is overseeing the development of a new airport at Sohar. The facility is coming up at a site located a short distance from Falaj al Qabail roundabout, and about 10 kilometres from the downtown centre of Sohar city. Its relative proximity to the major commercial, industrial and economic centres of Sohar, notably the Port of Sohar, Sohar Special Economic Zone and the industrial estate, is seen as particularly advantageous.
When operational in 2013, the domestic airport will also serve as an alternative to Muscat International Airport in the event of any contingency. The facility will also support the growth of cargo, courier and passenger traffic across north Oman.
Egypt-based engineering consultancy group Hamza Associates is the design consultant for the Sohar Airport project. Hamza Associates is supported by US based engineering, architecture and planning specialists Robert & Company and Burgess & Niple in the design of the facility.
MUSCAT -- Well-known construction firm Strabag Oman has been awarded a contract to execute the airfield infrastructure package of the Sohar Airport project at a cost of RO 27.6 million.
The contract represents a key phase in the development of a greenfield airport at Sohar, which along with plans for a major expressway and rail network, will underpin the port's city's eventual transformation into a major industrial and economic hub on the Batinah coast.
Strabag led a field of eight bidders in securing the keen-contested contract. Also in the fray were Gamuda-Berhad (Qatar Branch), Galfar, CCC, the joint venture of Alarko Contracting and Lagan, L&T Oman, Desertline Projects, and the joint venture of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Yooshin Engineering.
Significantly, Strabag is also undertaking the first phase package of the Sohar Airport project, which it was awarded in May last year. The contract, valued at RO 37.5 million, covers site preparation works and the construction of access roads and car park facilities, among other amenities.
The second phase package, awarded recently by the Tender Board, entails the construction of airfield infrastructure, including a 4,000-metre-long runway with turning loops at the ends. In addition, a full length parallel taxiway with high speed exits will be provided, along with terminal building and cargo aprons.
Navigation aids, and fuel and fire fighting systems will be installed as well.
In the third phase, which is likely to be tendered out later this year, the selected contractor will build a passenger terminal building designed for a capacity of around 500,000 passengers initially, as well as around 100,000 tonnes of air cargo per year. Also included in this package is an integrated air traffic control tower, and buildings for catering, and air rescue and fire fighting services.
As with all new airport projects, the Ministry of Transport and Communications is overseeing the development of a new airport at Sohar. The facility is coming up at a site located a short distance from Falaj al Qabail roundabout, and about 10 kilometres from the downtown centre of Sohar city. Its relative proximity to the major commercial, industrial and economic centres of Sohar, notably the Port of Sohar, Sohar Special Economic Zone and the industrial estate, is seen as particularly advantageous.
When operational in 2013, the domestic airport will also serve as an alternative to Muscat International Airport in the event of any contingency. The facility will also support the growth of cargo, courier and passenger traffic across north Oman.
Egypt-based engineering consultancy group Hamza Associates is the design consultant for the Sohar Airport project. Hamza Associates is supported by US based engineering, architecture and planning specialists Robert & Company and Burgess & Niple in the design of the facility.
By Conrad Prabhu
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
