The kingdom of Bahrain's strategic position-roughly in the centre of the Gulf- has ensured a sea trading history which is traceable back some 3,000 years. In the times of Ur in 2000 BC, the islands were the only haven where fresh water and shelter could be found on the long voyage between Mesopotamia and India.

The first port in the kingdoms long history was built in 1930s on the northern side of the island at Manama. Here vessels drawing up to four meters could be accommodated and later wharves reaching depths of 9m to 13m were built to the north east of Sitra Island for the refinery and more recently for Alba (Aluminum plant).

The original jetty is now used only by fishing dhows and with the construction of Mina Salman and mainly used for coastal Gulf traffic.

Nine international companies are bidding for a contract to operate Bahrain's two ports, Mina Salman, and Mina Khalifa which is under construction, officials told Gulf News. Three firms will be shortlisted and asked for final offers by the end of the year for a decision in March.