New Aqaba port to be ready in 2017

AMMAN — A$250 million project to build a new port in Aqaba is expected to be completed by late 2017 and will attract investment and encourage economic growth, the state-run Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) said on Thursday.

"The new port will increase Jordan's capacity to become a logistical hub in the area," ADC Spokesperson Khalil Farrayeh told The Jordan Times in a phone interview. 

Located south of the Red Sea city, the new port is being developed "in line with the highest international standards to meet Aqaba's rising needs", he said.

It will handle general cargo, grain and roll-on roll-off ships, which can carry wheeled cargo, the spokesperson added. , 

Once complete, there will be more than 12 terminals able to handle various liquids, including oil, Farrayeh said, noting that the liquefied gas terminal that was opened in 2015 is part of the new Aqaba port project. 

The port's capacity for grain silos will double from 8,000 metric tonnes to 16,000 metric tonnes, and new technologies will be adopted to unload grain shipments, he noted. 

"The new port will support the Jordanian economy greatly as it will increase handling capacity… and help Jordan attract investments," said Farrayeh.

The ADC was launched in 2004 to unlock the potential of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone by accelerating its economic growth and development. 

Launched by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and the government, the ADC owns Aqaba’s seaport, airport and strategic parcels of land, as well as the development and management rights for these assets in addition to key infrastructure and utilities, according to its website.