A key design challenge for the scheme under the leadership of Dr Abdelaziz Abdalla Rabie, will be to deepen the navigation channel to host ships with a draught of up to 16m. Under existing port conditions, vessel entry is restricted by the water tide level meaning ships are limited to a draught of 8.5m.

As part of the project brief, the Kuwait Ports Authority specified the need to modernise terminal facilities and increase container handling capacity in accordance with global best practice.

Upon award of the contract, SMEC Country Manager Zain Zaidi in conjunction with the SMEC Global Opportunities Manager Sybille Tildsley said,

“Our team will combine global and local expertise to offer a design solution that will future proof the port for the next 30 years. We are delighted to have the opportunity to once again work with the Kuwait Ports Authority on this hugely significant project”

Existing port infrastructure (2021) courtesy of Kuwait Ports Authority

Key elements of the scope include:

• Deepening the navigation channel and berths.
• Provision of a modern semi-automated container terminal on 800,000m2 of reclaimed land.
• Increasing the storage and manoeuvering capacity or containers and cargo.
• Future proofing the facility to handle forecasted trade volumes beyond 2030.
• Designing road connections to the port’s hinterland and associated infrastructure.
• Compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment.
• Provision of a new world class passenger terminal to serve as a hub for cruise ships and associated enterprises.
• New administration facilities for the key authorities based at Shuwaikh Port.
• New warehouse facilities and multistorey car park

Photo from the signing ceremony