One of the world’s leading contractors, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has signed an agreement with the government of the Bahamas to build a new port in North Abaco.

Along with the construction of the port, CHEC has also been contracted to build a bridge, which will link Bahamian islands, North Abaco and Little Abaco. This has come after many years of planning by the government.

At a press conference held on Friday October 21 at the Ministry of Finance, the government announced that it had signed a $40 million contract with CHEC, which will be funded by the EXIM Bank of China.

According to Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Works Colin Higgs, the project will begin in December of this year. The design and construction of the Little Abaco Bridge will cost $6.5 million and the North Abaco Port is estimated to cost over $33 million.

He also disclosed that the bridge is expected to be completed in February 2013 and the Port in November 2013.

Regional Director of China Harbour Engineering Co., Zhongdong Tang said the company was elated about the contract.

“This is just the start of the process, there is much work to be done,” Mr. Tang said.

“I hope to have more and more opportunities in the Bahamas to expand our business here,” he continued.

The new bridge will be more environmentally friendly and will have a total opening width of 150′, which will not only restore tidal flow but will allow pleasure and fishing vessels to travel between the north and south sides of Abaco, Mr. Higgs disclosed.

Mr. Higgs also explained that the port would include warehouses, an administration building and a marina.

CHEC has its regional headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica.