Jordan Times
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
ADC seeks private sector operator to upgrade Aqaba Port's marine services
AMMAN (JT) — Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) announced on Tuesday a business opportunity to operate and manage the marine services at Aqaba Port through a joint venture.
This business opportunity comes in line with
ADC's programme to introduce private sector participation in all areas of the
port's activities and to promote public-private partnerships in order to upgrade
the port's assets and performance.
At a press conference yesterday, Imad Fakhoury, chairman and CEO of ADC said
“this tender comes as part of a comprehensive development plan, which ADC has
been implementing to upgrade and develop the port's facilities and logistical
and marine services during the period 2005-2010.”
ADC launched an international tender two years ago, which attracted an
international operator to manage and operate the container terminal.
Fakhoury said ADC is seeking a private sector investor or operator with the
highest level of technical expertise and financial capabilities to manage,
operate and re-equip the marine services assets and activities at the port.
The new operator will be required to introduce advanced operating systems,
recruit qualified Jordanian nationals and provide employees with training both
in Jordan and abroad. In addition, the investor/operator will be required to
enhance the safety procedures for ships, goods and passengers in line with
international agreements.
“The new tender comes within ADC's strategy to accelerate the implementation of
the master plan to develop the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) into a
business hub,” said Fakhoury.
He added that this aims to complement the institutional and legislative
framework created to attract investments in tourism, entertainment, professional
and logistical services.
All interested and qualified parties are invited to submit their bids to ADC by
May 7.
Fakhoury encouraged all Jordanian private sector companies, who qualify both
technically and financially, to bid for this strategic business opportunity,
stating that all proposals will be evaluated on merit and according to
international best practices.
According to an agreement between ADC and the Ports Corporation, ADC owns the
assets of the port and is responsible for developing infrastructure, whilst the
Aqaba Ports Corporation is responsible for the port's operations and management.
Meanwhile, Fakhoury and Awwad Maaytah, director general of the Aqaba Ports
Corporation also announced yesterday the launch of a new Productivity Incentive
Programme for corporation employees, aimed at increasing motivation and
productivity of the workforce.
The programme is financed by ADC and based on the port's estimated production
volume for 2006, which is expected to reach 20 million tonnes (excluding the
container terminal).
According to the programme, monthly bonuses will be granted to employees, the
percentage of which is calculated according to the percentage of monthly surplus
on the estimated production volume.
The cost of this programme is estimated at around JD2 million annually. The
programme is considered to be the first of its kind to be implemented in the
Aqaba Port or in any other public service sector in the Kingdom.
It is expected to provide an extra income of around JD300-800 per employee per
year, according to their position.