Haifa Port Development Plan, phase 1, approved

The first stage of the Haifa port development project which include the construction of a 700-metre long container quay and supporting container-stacking areas was approved last week by Haifa municipal area development committee.
 
According to Haifa port officials, the new facility will increase the port TEU capacity by 450,000 and will enable the port to incorporate a highly advanced Terminal Operating System (TOS).
 
Mr. Amos Ron, director general of Israel ports and assets company said, following the approval, that his company would now be able to go ahead with multi million project according to plan.
 
The project will add 450 dunams to the port area, including 150 dunams planned for a modern entrance to the port. The dock itself will cost NIS 650 million and incorporate 15,000 tons of steel, extending 25 metres under water.
 
In addition, the existing western port will be turned into a passenger ship terminal area, which will be open to the general public and will feature recreational waterfront activities. This part of the project, which is expected to cost around $300 million, has received approval from the Ministerial Committee on Economic Affairs and the National Planning & Building Council.
The estimated completion date is 2007/8.
 
The second stage of the project will include the construction of a breakwater 500 metres in length, and the moving of the existing breakwater at the entrance to the Kishon Port. Wharves (1400 metres in length) will be constructed for general and bulk cargo and additional rear areas will be developed.  

This second stage is also expected to cost around $250 million, but will require environmental impact studies prior to approval.