Israel Ports Company (IPC) inaugurated last week the Haifa Carmel port project.
IPC is scheduled to begin construction on the new Carmel Port in the coming weeks. The new port project which is one of the largest infrastructure projects at present, estimated at NIS 1.2 billion (USD 264 million), aiming to increase Haifa Port's container capacity by an extra 450,000 TEU a year.
The new port will include modern storage sites and a new 700-meter-long container quay. In addition, the port will also have a secondary 250-meter-long container quay equipped with advanced construction cranes, handling areas and large container storage facilities.
IPC Director-General Amos Ron noted that the first construction stage was part of a multi stage development plan in which over NIS8 billions would be invested.
The project would, according to Ron, offer work to hundreds of Israelis, as the companies hired to carry out the construction work are obligated to hire only Israeli workers .
Haifa Port director Amos Uzani said that he would like to see Haifa as the maritime gateway not only to Jordan but also to the Palestinian Authority and Iraq. Uzani added that at the end of the decade Haifa port will handle TEU 2 millions compared to TEU 1 million at present.
IPC chairman Dan Tichon said in the inauguration ceremony that he would like Jordon to increase its use of Haifa port's facilities.
