Bahrain’s General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) has announced strategic plans for developing a Buildings Material Terminal (BMT) at Mina Salman Port (MSP), the kingdom’s former main container and general cargo terminal.

After the opening of Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) in 2009 and the transfer of commercial operations there, the GOP decided to re-develop MSP as a bulk building materials terminal in view of the high demand in the kingdom for imported building materials.

Within the next two months, the GOP is expected to announce the release of a general tender for the financing, design and construction of the BMT at Mina Salman Port.

It considers the construction of this dedicated terminal at MSP a strategic project of the utmost importance in line with government directives.

As a valuable commercial asset, the project site, which is strategically located adjacent to the Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Highway and close to the centre of Manama, will be utilised to manage the import and distribution of construction materials from the global market.

"The GOP has embarked on a plan to re-develop Mina Salman Port as a bulk BMT to primarily address the increasing demand for building materials in the kingdom," said GOP director general Hassan Ali Al Majed.

"As the region continues to enjoy the benefits of its continuing economic development, we are confident that our investment in this vital sector will generate attractive returns for Bahrain and the entire GCC region."

Al Majed said the intention was to partner with leading firms to build and operate a new facility that would provide modern, efficient and competitive services in line with the best international standards.