Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT) recently opened bids for a consultancy contract. This significant contract is specifically for an economic feasibility study focused on the deepening and standardisation of the Bahrain Main Approach Channel, alongside a broader assessment of widening the marine approach channels to its ports. The full study is strategically designed to support Bahrain's broader objective of strengthening its position as a regional maritime and logistics hub. This initiative shows the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing its port infrastructure and optimizing its maritime connectivity.
Bidding Process Details
The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications formally issued the tender for this key consultancy contract on April 21, 2026. Following the tender issuance, a total of seven companies submitted bids for the request for proposals (RFP), indicating significant interest from leading international and regional firms. The original deadline for bid submission was initially set for May 13, 2026. However, to allow ample time for thorough proposal preparation and submission, the deadline was subsequently extended first to June 1, 2026, and then further extended to June 11, 2026. This extension facilitated a more competitive bidding environment.
Among the submissions, Moffatt & Nichol Engineering Consultancy presented the lowest accepted bid, valued at 76,972 Bahraini dinars, which translates to approximately $204,000. Other prominent bidders included Al Hadi Engineering, which offered a bid of 93,500 Bahraini dinars ($248,000). Lloyd’s Register EMEA also participated in the competitive process, submitting a bid of 124,652 Bahraini dinars ($331,000). HaskoningDHV Nederland Dubai Branch put forward a bid of 109,560 Bahraini dinars. KPMG Advisory’s proposal was significantly higher at 297,180 Bahraini dinars ($788,000), while EY Consulting submitted a bid of 227,208 Bahraini dinars ($603,000). Tanger Med Engineering also participated in the process, submitting a bid of 52,800 Bahraini dinars.
Channel Study Objectives
The core of the consultancy contract involves an in-depth economic feasibility study for the Bahrain Main Approach Channel, with a primary focus on its deepening and standardisation. Bahrain’s Main Approach Channel serves as a vital link, connecting Khalifa bin Salman Port (KBSP) to international shipping lanes within the Arabian Gulf. This channel is critical for facilitating the flow of maritime traffic and ensuring efficient trade operations. The current specifications of the channel include a declared depth of 13.4 metres below Chart Datum. Additionally, the Main Approach Channel maintains a minimum width of 250 metres. The full study will assess the necessary enhancements to these dimensions, evaluating the optimal depth and width required to support future maritime operations and accommodate larger vessels, thereby improving the port's competitive advantage.
The selected consultant will be specifically required to assess and quantify the economic and operational impacts of achieving a uniform channel depth under various development scenarios. This will involve detailed analyses of potential benefits, such as increased cargo throughput, reduced transit times, and enhanced safety for navigation. The study will also explore the operational efficiencies gained from a standardised channel depth, which could include the ability to handle a wider range of vessel sizes and types. The full study must ensure alignment with the broader objectives outlined in Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance the Kingdom's role as a key regional logistics and trade hub.
Project Context and Next Steps
The project aligns with Bahrain’s long-term strategic goals for its maritime sector, aiming to bolster its infrastructure to meet the demands of global trade. During the bidding process, the proposals submitted by HaskoningDHV Nederland Dubai Branch and Tanger Med Engineering were both listed as suspended. This indicates that while these companies submitted bids, their proposals did not proceed to the next stage of evaluation, potentially due to technical non-compliance or other procedural reasons. The selection of Moffatt & Nichol Engineering Consultancy for the lowest accepted bid marks a key step forward in this significant infrastructure development project, paving the way for detailed analysis and planning for the future of Bahrain's marine approach channels. The findings of this study will be instrumental in guiding future investment and development decisions for Bahrain’s port facilities.
