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The new US$5 billion port being constructed in Doha, Qatar is the largest greenfield port construction project in the world, explains Colin Rudd, vice president of transportation for project consultants Cansult Maunsell Limited AECOM.

Why has the decision been taken to replace the current port in Doha?

To be honest the current port is a victim of its own success. It is approaching its capacity so the decision had to be made to replace it. The Qatar government wanted a world-class deep-water port that can accommodate growth to 2030 and beyond and that is what they are going to get with this project.

Planning over 20 years in the future is a bold move don't you think?

The move allows the Qatar government to plan ahead without having to worry about the infrastructure. Doing it this way also allows them to minimise adverse planning and the environmental impact on Doha. The port is also being built in three phases so it should grow at a similar pace to the rest of the economy in Qatar.

The new port is being relocated outside of the city, why?

A site has been chosen that's about 40km down the coast from Doha between Al Wakrah and Mesaieed Industrial City. The port in central Doha is approaching capacity and a port in the middle of a city is never a great idea anyway.

You have to bring all your freight through the city and get a lot of problems with congestion and efficiency. Moving the port to a site north of the industrial city area makes a lot of sense because there is still a very good concentration of trade down there. The move also releases the waterfront real estate in Doha city centre.

What do the three phases of construction involve?

The first phase is due for completion in 2014. The initial dredging and ground works will take place during this time as will the construction of the main north and south basins. A container terminal will also be built that will give the port the capacity to handle two million TEU. Also being built in this phase is a general cargo facility that will handle livestock, grain and general cargo, as well as facilities for the Qatar navy.

The second phase is due for completion in 2020 and will add another two million TEU of volume and extend the north basin. The third and final phase is due for completion in 2025 and will add another two million TEU of volume. By then the capacity of the port will be six million TEU.

Which companies are currently attached to the project?

A steering committee has been formed and my company, Cansult Maunsell AECOM, is the project consultants. Worley Parsons is the design consultant and COWI is the project environmental consultant.

Has work started on the project?

The project is still in its early stages. Cansult Maunsell AECOM is months into a six year contract. Work has already begun on the project management and design side. The tender process is about to begin and the dredging will start the physical work later this year.

So are there some great opportunities available for prospective contractors?

Definitely. The dredging contract alone is worth around US$1 billion and involves removing 100 million cubic metres of sand. Tenders will also be available for construction contracts, equipment procurement, provision of specialist technical services, operation of the port and associated facilities as well as investment opportunities in both direct and indirect port facilities. In other words, there's a lot of work available for any companies interested in coming to work here.

Are there any specific companies you would like to see coming on board?

Just good ones! It's our job to secure the very best companies available for this project in order to ensure that it lives up to its huge potential.

It's good to see the Qatar authorities so keen on the environment.

It is. The Qatar government decided to build the port basin inland to help preserve the marine environment along the coast. There will be some dredging work carried out to make the channel approaching the port wider and deeper, but the basins are going to be constructed inland. Qatar taking infrastructure and environmental sustainability seriously is great. With all the construction work the country has planned it needs to ensure the right balance is struck. And I think they are doing exactly that with this project.

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