To manage import and distribution of construction materials from a global market

Manama, Bahrain: 14 August 2011: The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) has announced its strategic plans for developing a Buildings Material Terminal (BMT) at the Mina Salman Port (MSP), Bahrain's former main container and general cargo terminal. With the commencement of Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) in 2009 and the transfer of commercial operations there, and due to the high demand in Kingdom for imported building materials, the GOP has decided to re-develop MSP as a bulk building materials terminal.

The GOP intends to establish the new Building Materials Terminal on a lease basis that includes refurbish, maintain and operate. Within the next two months, GOP is expected to announce the release of a general tender for the financing, design and construction of the BMT at Mina Salman Port. GOP considers the construction of this dedicated terminal at MSP a strategic project of the utmost importance and is in line with the directives of the Government.

As a valuable commercial asset, the project site which is strategically located adjacent to the Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Highway and close to the centre of Manama will be utilised to manage the import and distribution of construction materials from the global market.

Commenting on the announcement Hassan Ali Al Majed, Director General GOP, said: "The GOP has embarked on a plan to re-develop Mina Salman Port as a bulk Building Materials Terminal to primarily address the increasing demand for building materials in the Kingdom.  As the region continues to enjoy the benefits of its continuing economic development, we are confident that our investment in this vital sector will generate attractive returns for Bahrain and the entire GCC. With the tender for the project soon to be released, we intend to partner with leading firms to build and operate the new BMT facility providing modern, efficient and competitive services in line with the best international standards."

With mega construction projects on the rise in the kingdom, the cost of building materials has increased due to the shortage of local supply and production capacity. Currently Bahrain imports its building materials from local neighbouring countries in small vessels or barges. However, with the development of the bulk building materials terminal, which enjoys a deeper draught (10m), a larger market for construction materials is expected to be established.

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About General Organisation of Sea Ports:
The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) was established In September 2006 with a mission to develop Bahrain's maritime industry and infrastructure and regulate its operation in line with the Kingdom's Economic Vision 2030 development strategy. The GOP's overarching responsibility lies in guiding the development of strategies to position Bahrain as a global leader in the maritime industry. 

As a regulator, the GOP is responsible for supervising all maritime safety and environmental matters and ensuring adequate infrastructure is in place to serve the needs of the Kingdom's seaports, including the region's newest state-of-the-art port Khalifa Bin Salman Port. The GOP is also responsible for operating and developing the Bahrain Logistics zone.

Adhering to the highest international quality standards of safety, environment and security, the GOP aims to position the Kingdom as the strategic gateway and trans shipment hub to the northern Gulf.

For more information, please contact: 
Sami Amin or Bayan Nasser
Hill & Knowlton
Telephone: + 973 17 533 532
Fax: + 973 17 533 370
Email: Sami.Amin@hillandknowlton.com
Bayan.Nasser@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2011