Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has invited bids to develop, manage and operate Liwa fishing port in North Batinah, as part of its efforts to stimulate the economy and increase national income.

An official of MAFWR said, “The ministry invites local and international companies and investors specialised in the development, management and operations of ports to submit investment offers. The tender aims to achieve economic diversification and develop the logistics sector in a sustainable and integrated manner.”

The last date for submitting offers is December 31.

The development consists of several phases, beginning with a study and design for the project, followed by construction of several basic components like a breakwater for protection and docking space for fishing boats, in addition to several services and facilities related to the fisheries sector.

‘This project is part of the government’s plan for economic diversification, as well as developing and establishing fishing ports and landing facilities in the sultanate,’ MAFWR stated.

‘These facilities will provide an attractive environment for investment as well as work for Omani fishermen, thereby supporting the national economy and raising the contribution of the fisheries sector in the GDP.’

Besides fishing ports, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) is working to enhance the country’s capacity to manage a higher number of ships and increased volume of goods. In line with this objective, the ministry has initiated development of various ports, including Khasab, Shinas, Shaleem, Shanna, Masirah, Manji and Sadah.

Earlier this month, MTCIT inked a framework agreement with Quartet Solutions Maritime to develop, manage and operate Shinas Port.

Development of the port is slated to proceed in three phases. The first involves forming a committee to oversee the port’s handover. Starting November 1, Stage 2 will commence with the development, management and operations of the port, alongside devising a commercial and marketing plan, as well as a new general layout for the port. This phase will last for eight months.

In the third stage, final negotiations will be conducted over a 12-month period in preparation of signing a long-term agreement aimed at developing, managing and operating the port for an extended 30-year term.

In July, the ministry gave preliminary approval for the construction of the Shuwaimiya Mining Port in Dhofar to Minerals Development Oman.