As a major part of its current expansion plan, Asry has announced the placing of the first of more than 4,000 precast concrete blocks that will make the 1,380-metre new quay wall.

'This is an important milestone towards the delivery of the first 400m of the South Wall which is expected to be ready by the end of 2010,' said chief executive officer Chris Potter.

'The full 1,200m wall and the 180m return wall are planned for completion by the end of 2011.'

Asry earlier announced $80 million expansion project of constructing repair berths with a water depth of up to 12m designed to receive 300,000 DWT vessels and an 180m berth for 40,000 DWT vessels.

Asry awarded a design and build contract for the quay wall to Nass Contracting Group.-TradeArabia News Service