The projects being implemented by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) to enhance the oil exporting capacity cost up to KD 280 million, Manager of KOC''''s Marine and Export Operations Group Fadhel M. Boresly said Wednesday. "These include project to launch small boat marinas and the scheme to build 54 vessels," he told reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the marina project. The ceremony was attended by visiting Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Kuwaiti Minister of Oil and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Ali Al-Omair, and Advisor to His Highness the Prime Minister''''s Diwan Sheikh Salem Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. "The marinas project costs some KD 140 million - almost a half of the budget set aside for the projects of KOC''''s Marine and Export Operations Group," Boresly pointed out. "These projects envisage increasing the Company''''s workforce and building the capacity of workers particularly those working in the marine operations. "The marinas project involves entry permits to Al-Ahmadi Harbor for some 4,000 workers and 26,000 concrete mix equipment," he noted. On the second project to build 54 vessels he said it costs KD 140 million with a view to beef the Company''''s fleet. "Foreign companies, including a Dutch, a Turkish and a UAE, have been awarded contracts to build the vessels at four ship-building yards by mid-2016," he added.