Kuwait revamps ports to chase Iraqi traffic

However, KPA is seeking proposals from private sector companies wishing to invest in port facilities as a means of ensuring that infrastructure work can be implemented as soon as possible.

Gulftainer, which runs container terminals at both Sharjah and Khorfakkan, was initially contracted to draw up a master plan for the development of Kuwait’s ports.

The main focus of the work will be the port of Shuwaikh where the access channel needs to be deepened to accept larger vessels. In the meantime, two MHCs have been relocated to the container berths to speed up vessel turnaround time and also enable the port to cope with the additional volumes on offer. Upgrading facilities at Shuaiba has also been identified as a priority while serious consideration is being given to the development of an entire new port on Bubiyan Island at a cost of $850m.

Better facilities, argues KPA, will enable more direct calls to take place, lessening the reliance in the Gulf on transhipment traffic.