The new terminals – in Ashdod and Haifa Bay – have been included in the government’s plans until 2009.

According to Israeli newspaper Calcalist, the total cost could exceed ILS 3bn each.

China Harbor has agreed with Israel to begin construction works at Ashdod - expected to last for up to eight years-  by the end of 2014.

A contractor has yet to be decided for Haifa Bay, which is expected to take up to six years to be completed.

The