KBSP is the newest and most modern port in the Middle East, offering shipping lines a 1,800 m quay with an alongside draught of 15 m. The terminal is served by four post-Panamax 61 tonne ship-to-shore cranes offering twin-lift capabilities, along with 12 Rubber Tyre Gantry (RTGs) to support yard operations. Dredging is being undertaken to deepen the channel to 14 m this year and 15 m in early 2010.
Costing around US$500m, the Bahrain Gateway project included reclaiming 900,000 square metres of land and provision of infrastructure, as well as providing buildings, handling and marine equipment and IT infrastructure. APM Terminals Bahrain was awarded the contract to operate the old port of Mina Salman from December 2006 and thereafter KBSP for 25 years from commencement of its operations.
The migration of operations from Mina Salman to Bahrain Gateway started at the beginning of April this year, with operations at the old port scheduled to cease this May.
Scott Kelley, head of operations at APM Terminals Bahrain, commented, “We have been looking forward to this moment, spending the last year reviewing processes, simulating operations and training. We believe our team of professionals, world-class equipment and technology gives our customers a competitive edge as the best port in the region.”
APM Terminals Bahrain is a joint venture with YBA Kanoo Holdings of Bahrain was established in 2006 to provide port operations and related services within Bahrain and its coastal waters. Kanoo is a longstanding partner in the Middle East of the A P Moller – Maersk Group.
