BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB
DOHA: The import capacity of primary raw materials for the construction sector will more than double to 44 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) from the existing 21 mtpa with the completion of ongoing construction of Gabbro Terminal Expansion Project (GTEP) by first quarter of 2016. Works on the QR1.2bn ($329m) GTEP project, being implemented by a consortium from the European Union, to develop additional berths at Mesaieed port is progressing in full swing, according to a senior official of Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC).
Besides the GTEP project, the QPMC has also started leasing additional berths in Mesaieed, which are located adjacent to the gabbro berths, will add 3mtpa to the existing capacity.
“We have also initiated two other projects to increase import capacity. To this end, in addition to operating the existing jetty in Lusail, we are building a new jetty due to be completed by the end of October which will provide another 3m tonnes of capacity,” Khalid Al Rabban, former chairman of QPMC told Oxford Business Group (OBB) in an interview conducted for its latest “The Report Qatar 2014”, an annual publication.
Khalid Al Rabban has passed away since conducting this interview, the current chairman of QPMC is Abdulaziz Al Ansari, who could not be contacted immediately for comments.
Al Rabban said that QPMC has also taken out a lease on the southern breakwater of Ras Laffan to build floating jetties capable of handling 7 mtpa which was expected to be operational by the end of this year.
The QPMC was set up in 2006 by an Emiri decree with the mandate to boost the efficiency of port facilities used to import construction materials, primarily aggregates including limestone, gabbro, sand and other free-flowing bulk construction materials.
In 2007, the three berths (at Mesaieed port) had a capacity to import up to 10mtpa of aggregates, which was increased to 21 mtpa. And with the completion of GTEP in less than two years time, will be able to increase imports from traders to fulfil the expected rise in demand of raw materials as Qatar’s major infrastructure projects moves forward.
The GTEP will enhance efficiency at the berths by installing conveyors and stackers to help reduce the time for trucking and moving materials to enhancing the total gabbro berth terminal capacity in Mesaieed to 30m tonnes.
Asked how successful has QPMC been at increasing stockpiles locally for materials, and what more needs to be done to enhance storage capabilities, he said: “For local traders there is a 5mtpa-capacity stockpiling yard in Mesaieed near the berths. This is small in comparison to market requirements, so the challenge is the aggregate has to be moved in less than 20 days to make room for additional supplies.”
He had also said that the government has appointed QPMC to create a strategic stockpile of 10 mtpa of aggregate for emergency use which will only be released on a case-by-case basis, so as not to interfere with local traders. To date QPMC have secured over 7.5m tonnes and is in the process of getting the rest.
Regarding cement, it is estimated that an additional 3mtpa will need to be imported on top of what is produced locally. In addition, Qatar has initiated a project to build storage silos next to the berths in Mesaieed. These will be able to store 70,000 tonnes and will be ready by first-quarter 2015.
QPMC serves about 60 percent of the Qatar market with washed sand. Qatar has a capacity to produce 10mtpa of washed sand per year. Based on a study, it is estimated that local raw supply for washed sand will be depleted in three to five years’ time.
Due to dwindling resources and environmental concerns, Qatar may need to import about 18mtpa of sand which will be mixed with local washed sand to prolong the life of local supplies to meet construction needs. However, the concerned authorities, according to reports, have also taken initiatives to recycle excavation waste and demolition debris to achieve sustainable supplies and also to reducing pressure on ports.
The Peninsula
