A contract has been signed for construction of Pakistan's first mechanised coal, cement and clinker terminal at Port Qasim (BOT).

The facility will be constructed at an estimated cost of US$175m on a 30-year build operate and transfer (BOT) basis.

A signing ceremony was recently held between Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBT) and a JV consortium of Turkish firm Siyahkalem-and local firm Maqbool Associates for the civil work contract.

The project is expected to be operational by the start of 2015. PIBT would be capable of handling up to 12Mta of coal, cement and clinker. The jetty will have a depth of 15m with the capability of handling large ships of up to 75,000dwt. It is planned that the terminal will have dedicated storage and handling facilities for cement, clinker and coal. (Source: The Pak Banker)